Brahmapuram fire aftermath: Firefighters still suffering from health issues

KOCHI: More than three years have passed since the Brahmapuram waste dump fire that blanketed Kochi in toxic smoke. The blaze, which raged from March 2 to March 14, 2023, was brought under control after a 12-day round-the-clock operation by nearly 1,500 fire and rescue personnel, whose efforts were widely praised at the time.

However, many of the personnel are still struggling with serious health issues. They are finding it difficult to meet medical expenses. Several continue to undergo treatment for breathing difficulties, skin irritation, mouth ulcers and extreme fatigue. Initially, health check-ups and medicines were provided at the departmental level, but later, they had to bear treatment costs on their own. Promised follow-up treatment packages have not materialised.

The firefighters had inhaled toxic smoke for days, caused by the burning of chemical waste and plastic. Some officers, including one from the Thrikkakara fire station who worked continuously for 13 hours in the disaster zone, reportedly collapsed. Many experienced vomiting after eating and survived on minimal food such as curd, said Muvattupuzha station officer K N Satheesh. Health experts indicated that toxins had entered their bloodstream.

Deadly situation
The fire broke out in a waste heap spread over more than 70 acres, with flames rising over 30 feet. One of the major challenges was to control the fire without contaminating the nearby Kadambrayar River. Water used to douse the flames often flowed away due to the terrain. To manage this, teams turned over the waste layer by layer and sprayed water as the flames subsided.

The operation was further complicated by the lack of proper access routes and marshy land. Firefighters often had to move through unclear paths filled with dense smoke, sometimes stepping into swampy areas. In one instance, an officer who sank neck-deep in a marsh at around 1 am was rescued in a risky operation.

"The members of the Fire Force risked their lives to complete the mission. Although many of us still face health issues, we take pride in successfully controlling the fire."
-K Harikumar
District Fire Officer, Ernakulam

“Smoke from burning chemical waste can severely affect the lungs and requires long-term treatment. If untreated, it can lead to serious complications.”

-Dr. V.P. Kurien Iype,

Dermatologist, Ernakulam.