Daijiworld Media Network - Vasco

Vasco, Apr 9: A massive fire broke out at a scrapyard in Zuarinagar on Wednesday afternoon, destroying large quantities of stored material and sending thick black smoke billowing across the area.

The blaze, visible from several kilometres away, triggered a major firefighting operation. According to fire officials, a distress call was received around 2.30 pm, by which time the fire had already spread rapidly across the yard storing cables, wires, plastic and thermocol.

Preliminary reports suggest the fire may have started when workers had stepped out for lunch. On noticing smoke, they rushed back and shifted gas cylinders and other flammable materials to prevent further escalation.

Fire officials said the situation was challenging as five to six scrapyards are located in close proximity. With the fire intensifying quickly, additional support was called in, and four fire tenders were pressed into service to bring the blaze under control.

Firefighting efforts were further hampered by traffic congestion, ongoing highway works and narrow access roads leading to the site.

Despite the scale of the incident, no casualties were reported. Authorities said a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire and assessment of losses will be carried out once the area is declared safe.

The incident has sparked strong reactions from local residents, who expressed concern over recurring fires in the area. They pointed out that this is the third such incident in the past six months and alleged lack of effective action by authorities.

Residents questioned whether the scrapyards possess valid licences and demanded strict inspections, enforcement of safety norms and action against units operating in congested spaces with hazardous materials, posing a threat to nearby residential areas.