A massive fire broke out in a warehouse located in the bustling Hazaribagh tannery market in Dhaka on friday, January 17, 2025. The incident,which occurred at midday,quickly escalated,engulfing the fifth and sixth floors of a seven-story building. The warehouse, owned by Phoenix Tannery limited, stored leather goods and chemicals, which contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.Rozina akhter, the duty officer at the fire service headquarters, confirmed the details. “friday at 2:14,the fire service received information about the fire in the warehouse of the operating room. The fire occurred on the fifth floor of the seven-storey building. The fire later spread to the sixth floor,” she said. Seven fire service units were promptly dispatched to the scene, with three additional units en route. Local police, RAB, scouts, and volunteer groups also joined the efforts to control the blaze.However, the presence of a large crowd of onlookers posed challenges for the firefighters.
The building, which houses several leather and shoe shops, has a history of fire incidents. According to local sources, a similar fire occurred in the same structure in 2023, requiring eight fire service units to bring it under control after an hour-long battle. Prior to that, another fire was reported in 2014. The recurrence of such incidents raises concerns about safety measures in the area.
Key Details of the Incident
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Hazaribagh tannery market,Dhaka |
| Date and Time | Friday,January 17,2025,at 2:14 PM |
| Affected Floors | Fifth and sixth floors of a seven-story building |
| Contents of warehouse| Leather goods and chemicals |
| Fire Service Response| Seven units on-site,three more en route |
| Previous Incidents | Fires in 2023 and 2014 |
The fire’s rapid spread was exacerbated by the presence of flammable materials,including leather chemicals stored in the warehouse. The incident has once again highlighted the need for stricter safety protocols in industrial areas like Hazaribagh, which is known for its dense concentration of tanneries and related businesses.
As the firefighting efforts continue, authorities are urging the public to avoid the area to allow emergency services to operate efficiently. Updates on the situation will be provided as more information becomes available. For real-time updates, follow this link.
Understanding the Hazaribagh Warehouse Fire: A Deep Dive into Industrial Safety and Fire Response
On Friday,January 17,2025,a massive fire broke out in a warehouse located in the Hazaribagh tannery market in Dhaka,Bangladesh. The incident,which involved flammable materials like leather goods and chemicals,quickly escalated,engulfing the fifth and sixth floors of a seven-story building. To shed light on the causes,response,and broader implications of this disaster,we spoke with Dr. Farid Ahmed, a renowned industrial safety expert and fire prevention specialist.
The Incident: What Happened in Hazaribagh?
Senior Editor: Dr. Ahmed, thank you for joining us. Can you start by explaining what exactly happened in Hazaribagh on January 17?
Dr. Farid Ahmed: Certainly. The fire broke out around 2:14 PM in a warehouse owned by Phoenix Tannery Limited. The building stored large quantities of leather goods and chemicals,which are highly flammable. The fire spread rapidly due to the presence of these materials, and it took important effort from the fire service to contain it. Seven firefighting units were on-site,with three more en route to assist.
Why Did the Fire Spread So Quickly?
Senior Editor: What factors contributed to the rapid spread of the fire?
Dr. Farid Ahmed: The primary factor was the nature of the materials stored in the warehouse.Leather goods and chemicals are highly combustible, and when combined, they create a volatile environment. Additionally, the building’s design and the lack of adequate fire safety measures, such as sprinkler systems and fire-resistant partitions, exacerbated the situation. the dense concentration of tanneries in hazaribagh also means that fires can spread quickly between buildings if not contained promptly.
Fire Service Response: challenges and Successes
Senior Editor: How would you evaluate the fire service’s response to this incident?
Dr. Farid Ahmed: The fire service responded swiftly, with seven units arriving on-site quickly. However,the challenges they faced were immense. The narrow streets and heavy traffic in Hazaribagh made it difficult for additional units to reach the scene promptly. Despite these challenges, the firefighters managed to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings, which is commendable. However, this incident highlights the need for better infrastructure and resources for fire services in industrial areas.
Lessons Learned: The Need for Stricter Safety protocols
Senior Editor: What lessons can we take away from this incident to prevent similar disasters in the future?
Dr. Farid Ahmed: This fire is a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety protocols in industrial areas. Frist, warehouses storing flammable materials must be equipped with advanced fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers and fire-resistant storage units. Second, regular safety audits and employee training are essential to ensure compliance with safety standards. urban planning must consider the risks associated with industrial zones, ensuring that fire services have easy access to these areas.
Broader Implications for Hazaribagh and Beyond
Senior Editor: What broader implications does this incident have for Hazaribagh and other industrial areas?
dr. Farid Ahmed: Hazaribagh is a hub for tanneries and related industries,but it has long been criticized for its lack of safety measures and environmental concerns. This fire should serve as a wake-up call for both the goverment and private sector to prioritize safety and sustainability. Similar industrial zones across the country must also take note and implement stricter safety measures to protect lives and property.
