Fire at dump yard brought under control

After a fire-fighting operation lasting five days, the blaze at Ariyamangalam dump yard was contained on Sunday, much to the relief of local residents and traders.

The fire, which was noticed on the eastern side of the 47-acre dump on Tuesday, spread to garbage mounds in other parts due to gusty winds.

Tiruchi Corporation officials initially thought that it could be controlled in a day or two. But the fire spread to nearly one-third of the dump. Though the fire-fighters could control the flames atop the mounds, they found it difficult to put off the simmering blaze in the depths. They had to engage chain-wheel earth movers to spray water beneath the garbage mounds.

Ten fire tenders from Tiruchi, Srirangam, Navalpattu and neighbouring Karur and Perambalur districts, in addition to 14 tanker lorries of the Corporation, were engaged in the operation. Around 250 personnel worked for five days to control the fire.

“The fire at the dump yard has been brought under control after a tough round- the-clock operation. The fumes and smoke have also been controlled,” said a senior official of Tiruchi Corporation.

He said there was a need to keep the mounds wet for a few more days. Two fire tenders had been stationed at the site.