Fire breaks out at Bhandewadi dumping yard in Nagpur

NAGPUR: A massive fire broke out at the Bhandewadi dumping yard early Saturday afternoon, gutting a fire tender and rapidly spreading to nearby residential areas, endangering hundreds of lives. The blaze, visible from several kilometres away, triggered panic among residents as firefighting efforts faced major hurdles.

According to local residents, the fire reportedly started around 1 pm behind the premises of SusBDe Company, adjacent to the dumping yard. Earlier in the day, a smaller fire erupted around 10 am but was brought under control by two fire brigade vehicles.

However, by afternoon, the flames reignited with far greater intensity. Upon being informed, two more fire tenders were sent to control the blaze.

In a dramatic turn of events, one of the fire tenders attempting to douse the blaze caught fire. The driver miraculously escaped by jumping out just in time, avoiding serious injuries, confirmed officials present at the Bhandewadi dumping yard.

Eyewitnesses said that after the initial incident was controlled, there appeared to be no immediate threat until the sudden flare-up later in the day. Fire officials have been struggling to contain the inferno due to the dumping yard’s hilly, uneven terrain and the presence of highly flammable gases. The intense heat and dense smoke have made it nearly impossible to capture visuals or access the fire’s origin point.

Several residential colonies surrounding the dumping yard are under direct threat. Tulsi Nagar has already been affected, with flames reported inside the locality. Suraj Nagar, Antoji Nagar, and Abumiya Nagar are also at risk. Authorities have urged residents, particularly in Suraj Nagar, to stay on high alert as the fire continues to advance.

Local labourers living near the dumping ground were among the first to face the fire’s impact. Fire brigade teams remain deployed at the site, battling the inferno under extremely hazardous conditions.

Efforts are underway to prevent the fire from spreading further into densely populated neighbourhoods, said officiating chief fire officer B P Chandankhede. Further updates are awaited as containment operations continue.