MASSIVE TALEIGAO FIRE
PANAJI
The massive fire that broke out in the fields near a residential complex in Taleigao on Monday triggered panic among residents, but also brought forth stirring tales of bravery by firefighters who carried out multiple rescues even as smoke engulfed the area.
One particular video that has since gone viral shows fire officer Shrikrishna Parrikar carrying a girl child in his arms while rushing down the smoke-filled stairwell of a residential building. The video has drawn widespread praise.
The fire, which started in the dry grass fields, quickly spread towards the densely populated residential block housing over 300 flats. Thick smoke from the blaze entered the buildings, making it difficult for many residents to breathe and see clearly.
In another incident during the operation, a nonagenarian citizen who was unable to walk down the stairs was ensured safety by a firefighter and a family member in the apartment itself. Firefighters went door to door checking for those who were immobile or unwell, ensuring no one was left behind.
A sick resident was brought down using emergency lighting and then carefully escorted to an ambulance waiting outside.
The firefighters managed to evacuate several vulnerable people while simultaneously working to bring the flames under control in the fields. Director of Fire & Emergency Services Nitin Raiker is already quoted as saying that they controlled the fire but also raised concerns over the vulnerability of such residential zones located adjacent to agricultural land.
“No human lives were lost, and there were no serious injuries, which is a big relief,” another senior fire officer at the site said.
Divisional Officer Sripad Gawas added that around 16 firefighters and three officers were deployed for firefighting.
The fire department on Monday confirmed that reptiles inhabiting the fields were killed in the blaze that was completely doused by 6:30 pm, even as firefighters were stationed for some more time as a precautionary measure.
