Kolkata: A significant fire erupted in a slum in Topsia, eastern Kolkata, on Friday, destroying numerous shanties and leaving many families without homes.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far. Firefighters, equipped with nine fire tenders, are struggling to control the blaze due to strong winds and the narrow, cramped lanes leading into the slum.
“Our main priority is to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby areas. However, the narrow pathways are complicating our efforts. We are also working to ensure that no one is trapped in the affected area,” stated a fire officer. The officer noted that the combination of high winds and flammable materials contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, exacerbated by the explosion of LPG cylinders stored in the shanties.
Local residents attempted to fight the fire initially, using water from a nearby source. However, they expressed frustration over the delayed arrival of fire tenders, despite notifying the nearest fire station promptly. Initially, five fire tenders responded, but as the fire intensified, four additional tenders were dispatched. The state administration has announced that temporary accommodations will be provided for the displaced residents, along with plans for compensation.