Thiruvananthapuram: Fire cause remains mystery

Thiruvananthapuram: Various departments, including the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services, the police and electrical inspectorate, on Wednesday launched separate inquiries into the massive fire outbreak at an umbrella shop in the thickly populated commercial area here.

The fire broke out at the Chellam Umbrella Mart near Power House on Tuesday morning triggering panic.

However, none could reach a conclusion on the cause of the fire. The police on Wednesday collected the statement from the owner of the shop as part of the investigation and a case has been filed.

After the preliminary inspection, the officials of electrical inspectorate said that the reason for the fire couldn’t be a short circuit. “The entire area is burnt to ashes and we are unable to reach a conclusion. However, in the preliminary investigation, we couldn’t find any evidence indicating a short circuit. More investigations would be held at the spot,” said electrical inspector Suresh Kumar.

He said that statements would be collected from eyewitnesses, owner and staff of the shop for more clarity. “We will prepare our report only after getting the forensic report from the police. The statements from eight people would be collected,” he added.

Director-General of Kerala Fire and Rescue Services, A. Hemachandran, told DC that a special investigation team led by the Regional Fire Officer (RFO) investigated the spot on Wednesday. “We are waiting for the inquiry report. So far we haven’t reached a conclusion on the cause of the fire.

Meanwhile, we are planning to crack down on illegal godowns and storage facilities in densely populated areas, especially cities. An instruction has been given to conduct checks across the state,” said Mr Hemachandran.

RFO M. Naushad said that they were yet to get an official statement on the burning of garbage in the godown. “Burning of garbage could also be a reason which triggered the fire. We have to get official statements to come to a conclusion, which we are yet to get,” Mr Naushad added.

The forensic wing under the Kerala police inspected the site where the fire broke out and collected evidence for further scrutiny. An official said that the team collected fingerprints and other evidence from the scene.