A fire broke out on a wooden vessel at the Junglighat Jetty in the morning on 24 March, disrupting clearing operations while workers dismantled the structure to vacate the area for the Port Management Board. The blaze required multiple interventions by the Andaman and Nicobar Fire Brigade to secure the site, though no casualties were reported.
Officials said the fire was triggered by mechanical work on the vessel. Workers were using a cutting machine to remove metal bolts from the wooden hull, generating sparks that quickly ignited the dry timber. Compounding the situation, residual coal tar on the vessel made extinguishing the fire challenging, as the substance remains hot and highly flammable for extended periods.
Firefighters initially responded to the outbreak caused by the cutting operations, dousing flames and stabilizing the site. Around 9:30 PM, the fire reignited due to lingering coal tar residue, necessitating a second intervention to fully secure the area. All personnel present on the vessel at the time, numbering three workers, were unharmed and accounted for.
Port officials confirmed that the incident did not affect ongoing operations at the jetty, which continue as planned to clear the area efficiently for Port Management Board activities. Safety protocols, including controlled dismantling procedures and Fire Brigade supervision, were in place to manage the risk of further incidents.
The incident highlights the hazards involved in handling wooden vessels with residual flammable materials during mechanical operations. Experts note that coal tar, commonly used in maritime maintenance, requires careful handling, especially when cutting or grinding metal in proximity to wooden structures.
Local authorities and port management officials emphasized the importance of strict safety measures during clearing and dismantling work. Firefighters were on high alert throughout the operation, ensuring prompt response to flare-ups and monitoring hotspots caused by coal tar residues.
The Fire Brigade confirmed that both interventions were successfully completed without injury, and the vessel has been stabilized. Port authorities are reviewing procedures to prevent similar incidents in future dismantling or repair projects.
The Junglighat Jetty remains operational while clearance work proceeds. Officials urge workers to follow safety protocols rigorously and maintain vigilance when operating cutting equipment near flammable materials. No additional disruptions to maritime traffic have been reported following the incident.
This incident underscores the continuing challenges faced by port authorities and fire services in managing fire hazards associated with wooden vessels and flammable materials, particularly during dismantling and maintenance work. Coordinated response and adherence to safety procedures were credited with preventing any human or environmental casualties.
