Jammu Firefighters Battle Blaze and Ammonia Leak, Saving Lives and Property
Additional fire tenders from FES City, FES Gandhinagar, Roopnagar, and Gangyal were deployed under the leadership of Kanwal Peshin, I/c DFO City, assisted by Mohd Jaffer Sheikh, Station Officer FES Gandhinagar.
Jammu, 14 May 2024 – A major fire incident at New Suraj Cold Storage and Ice Factory in Gole Pulley, Jammu, was successfully contained by the Fire and Emergency Services Department (FES) after a grueling 20–hour operation. The fire, which broke out around 5:45 PM on 13 May 2024, was complicated by a dangerous ammonia gas leak, posing a significant threat to the surrounding residential area. The swift and courageous actions of the FES personnel, aided by other agencies, prevented a potential disaster, saving lives and property worth crores.
Two FES stations, Canal and Gandhinagar, responded immediately to the distress call. Additional fire tenders from FES City, FES Gandhinagar, Roopnagar, and Gangyal were deployed under the leadership of Kanwal Peshin, I/c DFO City, assisted by Mohd Jaffer Sheikh, Station Officer FES Gandhinagar. While the fire itself was quickly brought under control, the leaking ammonia gas, a serious health hazard, presented a new challenge.
FES officers, equipped with breathing apparatus (BA sets), risked their lives attempting to contain the leak. It was discovered that the control valve had burst, rendering immediate stoppage impossible. Station Officer Mohd Jaffer Sheikh sustained minor cold burns during the attempt.
RK Raina, Deputy Director Jammu, arrived at the scene and implemented various control strategies, including spraying a mixture of water and baking soda. Concurrently, FES personnel, demonstrating commendable professionalism, evacuated residents from the area, ensuring their safety.
Police administration, SDRF, and NDRF teams arrived to provide assistance and coordinate efforts. However, due to the extensive damage to the valve, they were unable to control the gas leakage. Throughout the night, Fire and Emergency Services, supported by other agencies, persisted with strategic efforts. Finally, they managed to contain the leak by emptying the ammonia tank, successfully concluding the operation at 2:00 PM on 14 May 2024.
Medical teams provided crucial on-site medical aid to the firefighting crews, as many experienced health issues and even collapsed due to prolonged exposure to the ammonia-rich environment.
Sh Alok Kumar IPS, ADGP Director Fire and Emergency Services, closely monitored the operation from Srinagar, Kashmir, providing valuable inputs. He later commended the firefighters for their effective and efficient management of the fire, containment of the hazardous situation, and the safe evacuation of residents.
This incident serves as a testament to the dedication, bravery, and expertise of the Fire and Emergency Services Department, whose tireless efforts prevented a potential tragedy in Jammu.
