‘It might take another 36 to 72 hours to complete’
The Fire Service and Civil Defence today said the search operation at the fire-ravaged garment factory and chemical warehouse in Mirpur's Rupnagar will take more time due to structural damage and hazardous nature of the chemicals inside.
FSCD Director (Operation and Maintenance) Lt Col Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury said this while addressing reporters at the scene.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. He said the fire, which broke out around 11:40am yesterday, was brought under control in two phases. "The fire at the garment section, later identified as Anwar Garments, was contained first. The blaze in the adjacent chemical warehouse, Alam Traders, was brought under control around 2:20pm today," he said.
He added that the entire warehouse was filled with six to seven types of chemicals, and the team was still assessing their nature and potential hazards.
"We are working progressively, draining out the chemicals with water in a controlled manner. It is time-consuming but necessary for safety," he explained.
The fire official said they were using advanced technology to prevent a repeat of incidents like the one in Tongi, where a similar chemical explosion had occurred.
Lt Col Tajul also said drone footage showed that the building of Alam Traders had suffered extensive damage due to prolonged exposure to heat.
"Many of the columns and pillars have cracked. It's a structurally risky building, and any sudden collapse could cause another accident," he said.
"For this reason, we are taking protective measures before continuing the search operation. It might take another 36 to 72 hours to complete," he said.
He also revealed that the main gate of Alam Traders was found locked when the firefighters arrived.
"We had to cut it open using hydraulic spreaders and cutters. This suggests that there might not have been anyone inside at that moment, but we cannot confirm anything until the search is complete," said Lt Col Tajul.
The area surrounding the site remains highly hazardous due to chemical fumes.
"These substances are extremely harmful to human health," he said. "Even from 300 to 500 yards away, the fumes can cause serious physical effects. The entire zone is unsafe, and people should stay away."
He added that the fire service had already made public announcements through loudspeakers and local mosques, urging residents to leave the area.
Lt Col Tajul added, "Our inspectors are listing both legal and illegal chemical warehouses. We are coordinating with other agencies to identify and act against unregulated operations. This is a continuous process."
He stressed that such disasters cannot be prevented by the Fire Service alone. "This is a social problem, and only a collective social movement can bring change. Everyone -- authorities, local community, and business owners -- must work together to stop such tragedies," he said.
Lt Col Tajul also said that the area would remain cordoned off until it was fully safe.
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