A devastating fire broke out at several jute and textile waste warehouses in Gazipur, causing widespread alarm and significant disruption in one of Bangladesh’s key industrial zones. The incident occurred in the Dewaliabari area under Konabari Police Station, within Gazipur Metropolitan City, an area known for its dense concentration of garment-related storage facilities.
According to fire service officials and local residents, the blaze first erupted at approximately 4:15 pm on Thursday (8 January) at a jute waste warehouse located in the Kathaltala section of Dewaliabari. Locals noticed thick plumes of smoke billowing from the structure and quickly raised the alarm. Due to the highly flammable nature of stored jute waste—commonly referred to as “jhut” and consisting of discarded fabric scraps, yarn, and textile remnants—the fire spread rapidly to adjacent warehouses within minutes.
Initially, two firefighting units from the Konabari Fire Service Station were dispatched to the scene and began containment efforts. However, the intensity of the flames and the large volume of combustible materials soon overwhelmed the initial response. As a result, four additional units from the Sarabo and DBL fire stations were deployed, bringing the total number of units engaged in firefighting operations to six.
Firefighters worked continuously to prevent the fire from spreading further into nearby residential and commercial areas. Authorities also took precautionary measures by restricting movement in surrounding streets, while local residents and workers were advised to keep a safe distance.
Mohammad Mamun, Deputy Director of the Gazipur Fire Service, confirmed that multiple jute warehouses were affected. He stated that while efforts were ongoing to fully extinguish the fire, the exact cause of the blaze and the total financial losses could not yet be determined. Importantly, no casualties were reported at the time of writing, a fact that provided some relief amid the destruction.
Industrial safety experts note that jute and textile waste warehouses pose a persistent fire risk due to inadequate fire prevention systems, poor storage practices, and close proximity to other structures. Similar incidents in the past have highlighted the urgent need for stricter regulation and improved safety compliance in industrial storage zones across Gazipur.
A preliminary overview of the incident timeline is presented below:
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 4:15 pm | Fire ignites at first jute warehouse |
| 4:20 pm | Locals notice smoke and alert authorities |
| 4:30 pm | Two Konabari fire units arrive |
| 4:45 pm | Fire spreads to nearby warehouses |
| 5:00 pm | Four additional units join operations |
| Ongoing | Fire control and damage assessment |
Local administration officials have indicated that a formal investigation will be launched once the fire is fully under control. The inquiry is expected to examine safety lapses, storage conditions, and regulatory compliance, with recommendations aimed at preventing similar disasters in the future.