A fire occurred yesterday (15.08.2012) at about 1000 hr in a chemical godown that stored solvent drums. It is reported that nobody was injured. However, 150 tins of solvents and thinners stored in ground and first first floor were gutted. The compound wall and first floor got collapsed in the fire incident and it took more than 8 hr to control the fire by using water and foam. The people in nearby areas suffered breathing problems due to chemical pollutants in the atmosphere due to fire.
As it is claimed nobody was present during that time, the reason for fire is not known. I am unable to guess the reason for fire. It could be due to accumulation of solvent vapors and insufficient ventilation and the ignition source can be some glowing lamp.
It is reported that there are many chemical godowns in the area that does not have permission from PCB authorities. There should be a single window system for clearing industrial activities wherein all concerned departments like factory department, pollution control board, water authority, electricity authority, police department, revenue department, health department, etc scrutinize the applications and then only authorize for setting up the facility and permit connections for electricity, water, etc.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article3778402.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article3778402.ece