661 fires break out in Gazipur over 10 months

Gazipur has witnessed 661 fire incidents over the past 10 months, resulting in losses exceeding Tk 36 crore and the deaths of five people. Fire Service authorities have attributed the incidents to commercial institutions failing to implement proper fire prevention measures and not complying with safety regulations.

According to the district Fire Service, March recorded the highest number of fires, with 103 incidents. Between January and October, 279 fires were caused by electrical short circuits, 51 by gas line leakages, and 44 by burning cigarette or bidi stubs. The estimated financial loss from these incidents is nearly Tk 36 crore.

Fire Service officials stated that public awareness campaigns and other preventive measures are being implemented to reduce fire incidents. Sources from the Fire Service and Civil Defence noted that due to Gazipur's dense population and industrial areas, the district is constantly at risk of fire. Particularly, areas such as Tongi, Konabari, Kashimpur, and Sreepur frequently experience fires caused by discarded cloth (jhut) from garment factories. Fires have also occurred in garment factories, chemical and yarn warehouses, due to broiler explosions, gas leaks, cylinder mishaps, labor unrest, and residential causes.

The monthly breakdown of fire incidents in Gazipur over the past 10 months is as follows: January – 65, February – 92, March – 103, April – 73, May – 58, June – 44, July – 45, August – 49, September – 62, and October – 70. The number of fires was particularly high from January to April. Five people died in Gazipur as a result of these fires during this period.

Sources also highlighted that a large number of factories, residential and commercial buildings, and some key public institutions in Gazipur remain at risk. The Gazipur Fire Service stated that licenses for institutions failing to implement fire safety measures are not being renewed. While export-oriented industries comply with Fire Service regulations, many other factories do not. Those failing to comply face measures including suspension of license renewal in accordance with the law.

Areas with dense slums and crowded settlements are under special supervision due to higher fire risks. Awareness campaigns are ongoing among residents in these areas.

Mohammad Mamun, Deputy Assistant Director of Gazipur Fire Service and Civil Defence, said extensive awareness programs are being conducted across the district to protect people from fires, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. So far, 124 volunteers have been trained and provided with ID cards and self-protection equipment. Every Saturday, awareness videos are shown in various open spaces in Gazipur to educate residents on fire and earthquake safety. A specialized unit in Dhaka is always ready to respond to fires in chemical warehouses.

He added that factory owners and the general public are now more cautious about fire hazards than before. Many large industrial groups have established dedicated fire safety units and trained personnel to prevent potential disasters.