A fire broke out at the gate of Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku’s residence in Sirajganj city on Wednesday afternoon, reportedly after lightning struck a gas riser. The incident occurred at around 1.15pm in the Hossainpur neighbourhood, along Al Mahmud Avenue.
Fire service personnel were called to the scene shortly after the blaze was noticed and managed to bring it under control. No casualties or significant property damage were reported.
According to eyewitnesses, heavy rain was falling across the area at the time, accompanied by frequent and intense lightning. During the storm, flames were suddenly seen near the front gate of the minister’s residence. The fire appeared to have originated around the gas riser, prompting concern among people in the vicinity.
Residents and those nearby alerted the fire service after noticing the flames. Firefighters arrived promptly and took steps to contain the blaze before it could spread to other parts of the property.
Mohammad Shariful Islam, station officer of the Sirajganj Fire Service, said they received information about the fire at the minister’s residence at around 1.15pm. A team was sent to the location immediately and brought the fire under control.
He said the residence’s gatekeeper told firefighters that the fire had started after lightning struck the gas riser. The incident did not result in any reported damage to the residence or surrounding property.
The incident took place amid a period of heavy rain and thunderstorms in the area. Lightning can cause sudden surges of energy when it strikes buildings, utility structures or exposed metal installations, potentially creating a fire hazard. Gas-related installations can require particular caution because even a relatively small ignition source can become dangerous if combustible gas is present.
In this case, however, the fire was confined to the area around the gas riser and was brought under control quickly. There was no report of the flames spreading inside the residence, nor were any injuries reported.
The incident briefly caused concern among people in the neighbourhood, particularly because it occurred at a residence belonging to a senior government minister. The rapid response by the fire service helped prevent the situation from developing into a more serious emergency.
Fire service officials said there was no reported loss of life or property in the incident. Based on the information provided by the gatekeeper, lightning striking the gas riser was identified as the likely cause of the fire.
The episode also highlights the potential risks associated with thunderstorms, particularly when lightning strikes buildings or exposed utility infrastructure. During severe weather, residents are generally advised to remain indoors and avoid contact with exposed electrical or metal installations.
By the time the fire service completed its response, the flames had been extinguished and the situation at the residence had returned to normal.
