Planck Vision Systems: Massive Blaze at Colvale Industrial Estate Causes Severe Damage, Estimated Loss of $2 Million

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NEWS

On Monday, December 9, 2024, a massive fire broke out in the Colvale industrial estate, situated near Mapusa in Goa. The fire started around 1 pm in a vacant plot that had become a dumping ground for combustible industrial waste, raw materials, and scrap. The area was surrounded by dry grass, which further fueled the blaze.

As firefighters from the Mapusa fire station arrived at the scene, they immediately began battling the flames. However, the fire was located dangerously close to the 400 kV Power Grid Corporation of India substation, which posed a significant risk. The fire spread quickly due to the dry conditions and the flammable materials, including raw plastic and waste material that had been indiscriminately dumped in the area.

The firefighters quickly realized that the blaze was difficult to control. Windy conditions made the firefighting efforts even harder. Ganesh Govekar, the station in-charge at the Mapusa fire station, explained that despite their best efforts, the fire kept flaring up. As a result, fire stations from Porvorim and Panaji were called in for support.

The fire was located on rocky terrain, making access difficult. Additionally, the surrounding area had dense bushes and dry grass, further complicating firefighting operations. To help with the firefighting efforts, water tankers were brought in, and the local police, led by Inspector Vijay Rane, assisted the fire crews in maintaining order and helping with access.

Despite the efforts of multiple teams, the fire continued to burn well into the evening. The authorities brought in a heavy earth mover to disturb the waste and scrap where smaller fires were still smoldering beneath the surface. Govekar stated, “We had to lift the waste because small fires were continuing to burn underneath and could last for days.”

While the main blaze was eventually brought under control, authorities were concerned about potential smaller fires that could continue to pose a danger. The industrial waste and raw materials scattered throughout the area contributed to the prolonged nature of the fire. The total damages from the fire have been estimated at approximately $2 million, considering the extent of the destruction to the materials and the risk posed to the nearby substation.

This incident highlights the importance of early fire detection and fire management. Planck Vision Systems offers advanced thermal imaging solutions, which can detect early signs of abnormal heat and temperature variations. With proactive detection, potential fires can be detected before they escalate, preventing extensive damage and ensuring the safety of surrounding infrastructure.

Planck Vision Systems provides an important tool in industrial safety, allowing industries to preemptively address issues that could lead to large-scale fires. By integrating thermal monitoring technology, businesses can mitigate risks, enhance safety protocols, and prevent costly damages, as evidenced by the fire at the Colvale industrial estate.

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