Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, May 6: A massive field fire near Tonca sparked chaos across Taleigao and Caranzalem on Monday afternoon, as fast-moving flames fueled by crop stubble burning and strong winds forced the urgent evacuation of 30 residents — including infants and a 95-year-old woman.

The fire, which began shortly after 12:30 pm, raged for over five hours, consuming dry grasslands and killing several reptiles, including snakes and tortoises, unable to escape the inferno. Thick smoke clouds engulfed nearby residential buildings, forcing authorities to initiate emergency evacuations to prevent respiratory hazards.

Fire and Emergency Services Director Nitin Raiker confirmed the reptile casualties and raised alarms over the growing risk posed by residential zones bordering farmland. “While the fire has been brought under control, the concern is the proximity of these fields to homes,” Raiker said, noting that police are investigating the cause of the fire.

Four fire tenders, a turn-table ladder, ambulances, and over a dozen firefighters — aided by local volunteers — were deployed at the scene. However, even after containment, the fire re-ignited, prompting standby units to return for renewed firefighting.

Senior fire officer Ranjit Redkar described the blaze as extremely hazardous. “The fire’s intensity and closeness to homes made it a high-risk situation,” he said.

Anger brewed among residents, with many blaming the authorities for negligence. Activist Cecille Rodrigues lambasted the Taleigao panchayat for failing to act despite repeated appeals to arrange stubble-clearing equipment during harvest season. “The panchayat ignored our requests. Farmers are willing to pay for fuel if a tractor is arranged — yet nothing was done,” she said.

Former Goa Pollution Control Board chief and local resident Mahesh Patil echoed the concern, stating, “This recurring carelessness is alarming. Toxic smoke affects health and damages the environment.”

The Agriculture Department had previously warned against open stubble burning through a November circular, citing its environmental and agricultural consequences — a warning that now seems grimly prophetic.

As firefighters continue to monitor the area, residents demand accountability and urgent policy action to prevent such terrifying incidents from recurring.