Team Herald
PANJIM: Two days after a fire broke out in a dry grass field at Cambrabhat in Taleigao and raged for around six hours before being doused by fire personnel, a fresh blaze erupted on Wednesday in a field opposite the Models Legacy residential complex in the village, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air and alarming local residents.
The cause of the blaze is yet to be ascertained. The personnel from the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services rushed to the spot and doused the flames.
Speaking to reporters, Agnelo Da Cunha, Taleigao panch member, said, “As per the traditional practice, farmers set fire to burn stubble in their fields. However, they should exercise caution while doing this. Comunidade should take action to prevent this because most of the land is barren. The fire is destroying the comunidade land.”
“This has become a regular feature. It happens every year. However, everyone is working in tandem to control the fire,” he said.
Shivamma, a local resident, said, “The moment I heard about the incident I rushed to my house as gas cylinders were stored. The fire incident occurred close to my house. The farmers who grow crops, set fire to the field. Initially it was in a corner of the field but slowly it spread to other parts. Here, there are around 20 small houses.”
Cecille Rodrigues, another resident, said, “The fire broke in the field today yet again. However, it was noticed quickly and authorities arrived and the fire tender was contacted. This is happening on a regular basis. There has to be some solution to this problem. Problem was that fire brigades could not reach the spot as it was in the middle of the field.”
It may be recalled that on May 5, a fire that broke out in a dry grass field at Camrabhat in Taleigao caused panic in the surrounding residential areas and forced some residents to evacuate from their apartments.
The blaze began around 11:30 am and sent thick plumes of smoke into nearby homes and flats. Though fire tenders from Panjim HQ, Pilerne and Porvorim Fire Stations were deployed to the scene, the lack of accessible roads to the field made it difficult for emergency personnel to fully control the flames.
Meanwhile, in yet another incident, a dry tree caught fire early Wednesday morning near Sai Krupa Hotel in Merces, prompting a quick response from the Panjim Fire and Emergency Services. Firefighters successfully doused the flames before they could spread further.
According to Govind Gawas, leading fire fighter, “We received a call in the morning about the fire incident. We rushed to the spot and found a car that had been damaged. There was no information as to who set the field on fire. We told the locals to maintain a vigil.”