COIMBATORE: A massive fire broke out at the Vellalore dumpyard on the outskirts of Coimbatore in the early hours of Sunday, sending thick smoke over several nearby residential areas and causing concern among residents.
More than five fire tenders from the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services (TNFRS) were deployed at the site, along with water tankers operated by the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC), to bring the blaze under control.
The fire allegedly started in a section of the sprawling dumpyard, where tonnes of waste collected daily from all 100 wards of the Coimbatore corporation are dumped. The flames quickly spread through dry plastic and other combustible waste, producing heavy smoke and a strong stench.
CCMC personnel initially began efforts to contain the fire using water tankers stationed at the facility. Fire and Rescue Services personnel were subsequently alerted, who used multiple water jets to douse the flames and prevent the blaze from spreading further.
The thick smoke from the burning waste spread across Vellalore, Podanur, Chettipalayam and surrounding residential areas. Residents complained of difficulty in breathing and an unbearable odour caused by the smoke.
The incident has once again raised concerns over recurring fires at the Vellalore dumpyard. Residents said such incidents have become frequent, particularly during dry and windy periods, when accumulated waste can easily catch fire and allow flames to spread rapidly.
They urged the civic body to take permanent measures to prevent fires at the dumpyard and address the long-standing waste management issues at the facility.CCMC personnel initially began efforts to contain the fire using water tankers stationed at the facility. Fire and Rescue Services personnel were subsequently alerted, who used multiple water jets to douse the flames and prevent the blaze from spreading further.