Fire force continues fight amid toxic fumes; day 14 of Brahmapuram fire

KOCHI: The attempt to douse the fire at Brahmapuram waste plant is one of the most challenging missions faced by Kerala fire force. Tomorrow will be two weeks since they started their mission.

On March 2, around 3.30 pm, they rushed to put out the fire that broke out in a pile of 5.75 lakh tonnes of plastic waste (legacy waste).

They are struggling to douse the fire in extreme heat despite the stench and inhaling toxic gases. 30 officers suffered respiratory problems and four suffered injuries. One also broke his leg during this.

Ernakulam Regional Fire officer JS Sujith Kumar, district fire officer Hari Kumar and Thrikakkara station officer Satheesan are in Brahmapuram all the time. Sujith Kumar sought treatment yesterday due to shortness of breath.

Regional fire officers from other places Arun Kumar, Shiju, MB Rajesh and Dileepan and District fire officers Ram Kumar and Regi V Kuriakose, Ashraf Ali, Arun Bhaskar, Abhilash and Ritij also led the mission as per turn. During the initial days, they worked without rest in the scorching sun and even didn’t have drinking water.

The forces did not even have safety masks when the black smoke was spreading. Although food was delivered, they had no soap or lotion to wash hands. They were forced to eat food even in the garbage hill.

Locals and volunteers did not come to help like in other rescue missions. No one came from outside except the Civil Defense volunteers.

Fire fighting

Members who are working: 400

Civil Defense Volunteers who are continuing mission: 100

Civil Defense Volunteers who participated so far: 750

No of fire tenders using: 25

High pressure pumps: 14

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan appreciated the Kerala Fire and Rescue Service Department and the members who carried out the fire fighting operation.