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Thick black smoke engulfed the area since the chemical was highly combustible. The fire that broke at the logistics firm in Madhavaram, was reportedly triggered by an electrical short circuit. Failure to contain it in lack of fire safety instruments and equipment aggrieved the quandary further. According to the bystanders, a massive thick black smoke billowed across the locality. There were frequent small explosions and oil barrels from the factory could be seen flying out and falling on the road, nearly 50 m away. Traffic was also affected on the stretch, as many gathered on the road to see the fire. The police diverted traffic and ensured that vehicles kept moving.

Residents from the neighboring areas complained that they were not able to sit inside their houses due to the heat. It was also reported that people residing in the neighboring localities could hear frequent explosions and complained of burning sensations in the eyes. Opportunely, it was the warehouse of a chemical-based material that is used for medical purposes, so the possibility of poisonous gas was ruled out. Otherwise, such accidents and eventualities have a record and history of claiming casualties or damage to human health due to inhalation of poisonous gas or suffocation. Nevertheless, residents in the area have been advised to not inhale the smoke directly in excess quantities and wear masks by the representatives of the administration.

Figure 1- The blaze, amid clouds of thick black smoke, spread rapidly since the chemical was highly combustible

Image source– https://static.toiimg.com/thumb/imgsize-1145786,msid-74422301,width-400,resizemode-4/74422301.jpg

Over 500 firemen and almost 26 fire tenders have been deployed to douse a massive fire. Massive efforts by these fire service personnel for over 18 hours ended successfully on Sunday afternoon when the fire was completely doused. Fire engines from the Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) and Chennai Airport were also pressed into service to bring the fire under control.

Such chemical warehouses storing highly combustible chemicals entails automatic dry chemical fire suppression systems. These pre-engineered systems protect against A, B, and C type fire hazards. The systems feature fusible links designed to melt at a specific temperature to release tension on the detection cable. This will cause the mechanical controls on the tank to release the agent through a distribution piping network located on the ceiling. Aarush Fire Systems Pvt. Ltd. offers curated fire wall systems and training for how to operate it, as well. Fire safety situation of dangerous chemical warehouse is assessed and a series of targeted measures are installed.