BUET to Examine Chemical Fire: Fire Service Chief Stresses Caution and Compliance

A team from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) will visit the chemical warehouse in Mirpur’s Shialbari, where a fire broke out earlier, to investigate the nature of the chemicals stored there, said Brigadier General Md. Zahid Kamal, Director General of the Fire Service and Civil Defence.

He informed reporters of this during a visit to the site just after midnight on Tuesday, October 14, adding, “The BUET team will examine what types of chemicals were stored there. Further decisions will be made based on their findings.”

Brigadier General Md. Zahid Kamal noted that smoke was still coming out of the warehouse, which contained various kinds of chemicals. “Chemical fires are different from ordinary fires — attempting to control them hastily can lead to serious accidents,” he explained.

Although the blaze has been extinguished, the Fire Service chief cautioned, “The fire might reignite. We are on alert. Even if it appears safe, everyone must remain cautious.”

He also expressed concern over the growing number of unauthorized chemical warehouses, saying, “We have observed many unapproved chemical warehouses being established. Three firefighters were martyred in the Tongi warehouse fire. We do not want such tragedies to recur.”

Emphasizing the need for preventive measures, the Fire Service chief urged administrative authorities and local residents to develop social resistance against unauthorized warehouses. He added, “Everyone must ensure that chemical storage facilities are set up in compliance with proper regulations and safety standards.”