Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 26: A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning near the ABV Community Hall, Rangat, completely gutting around 18 commercial shops. As per sources, the incident was reported to Fire Station Rangat by the Police Station Rangat through VHF communication at approximately 0125 hrs, as the landline at the fire station had reportedly been out of order for several days.
During the firefighting operation, an LPG cylinder explosion caused the flames to intensify and spread rapidly to adjoining shops. Strong gusty winds further fueled the blaze, making it extremely difficult to contain. Fire tenders from Rangat, Bakultala, Billiground, and Mayabunder were rushed to the scene in staggered intervals, while portable pumps and hydrant points were also utilized. However, by the time the units arrived with bare minimum manpower, the fire had already spread extensively due to the highly flammable wooden structures. It is reportedly by public that although the necessary equipment was available, insufficient and aging staff struggled to handle heavy hoses and firefighting gear effectively.
Preliminary findings reveal that each fire tender was manned by nearly two personnel, underscoring a severe manpower shortage. It later came to light that most fire stations in the North and Middle Andaman region are operating with just 30% of their sanctioned staff strength, drastically reducing their operational capacity.
In a shocking revelation, it was also reported that one driver at Fire Station Rangat has been continuously performing duty for four consecutive days, as no replacement driver was available — clearly reflecting the acute shortage of operational staff in the department.
Although the Fire Station Rangat is located nearly 5 to 6 KM from the incident site, response efforts were delayed due to limited staffing, communication issues, and outdated vehicles and equipment. These deficiencies collectively hampered the timely containment of the fire.
Adding to the concern, a major administrative lapse has come to light regarding the relocation of the Fire Station. The Fire Station, Fire Police, and PRO were originally allotted land within the joint campus of the Police Station Rangat, centrally situated near the main bazaar. However, the Police Department later occupied the entire campus, forcing the Fire Station’s relocation nearly 5 to 6 KM away to a remote and less accessible area.
This decision has proven operationally detrimental, as several major fires have since occurred in the Rangat bazaar area with delayed firefighting responses. Local residents and fire officials believe that had the fire station remained at its original location, a large portion of the market could have been saved.
Some experts emphasized that if the Fire Service Department were made independent and placed directly under the Home Section rather than the police hierarchy, it would significantly improve efficiency, accountability, and overall fire safety management across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Meanwhile, concerned citizens have urged the administration to immediately fill vacant posts, adhere to staffing and operational norms, procure modern fire tenders and equipment, and review the strategic location of fire stations to ensure quicker response times in high-risk commercial and residential areas.
While the cause of the Rangat fire remains under investigation, this tragic incident has once again exposed systemic neglect and administrative inefficiencies plaguing the fire services in the region—leading to significant property loss and renewed public concern over emergency preparedness and governance accountability and in public interest.
