Brahmapuram waste plant fire: Indian Navy choppers join cause

A fire has engulfed almost all parts of the Brahmapuram garbage dump in Kochi, Kerala, as efforts to douse it continue for the third day on Saturday.

The Navy and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) joined the fire and rescue teams to control the fire that started on Thursday evening. 11 fire departments are responding to the scene. Smoke spread to several parts of Kochi on Saturday. Kochi Mayor M Anil Kumar said attempts were being made to bring the fire under control by Saturday evening.

Meanwhile, District Collector Renu Raj has issued a statement that if the fire is not under control by noon, the services of the Air Force will be sought. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has held a meeting with the Air Force in this regard, she said. The District Collector called a review meeting at 3 p.m.

Although a Navy helicopter joined the effort Friday evening, the fire spread to other parts of the landfill. According to the authorities, they are approaching the area from six sectors to douse the fire. Navy helicopters target interior spaces that are difficult for firefighting units to enter.

All solid waste from the Kochi Corporation is dumped at the Brahmapuram plant, which is adjacent to the Kochi Corporation and Vadavucode-Puthencruz grama panchayat. Tons of unsorted waste accumulates in the areas, causing the fire to spread rapidly. According to reports, the fire brigade managed to bring the situation under control by Friday evening, but the fire started spreading from another place. Things got out of hand again on Friday night.

The Kochi Corporation has temporarily suspended garbage collection in city areas due to fire at a garbage dump.