Short circuit blamed for Aryasala fire

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Experts from the Forensic, Fingerprint and Dog Squads examined the fire mishap site at Aryasala in the city on Tuesday morning and collected samples for scientific analysis. Preliminary inquiry has ruled out the chances of sabotage and Fire and Rescue officials cited short circuit as the reason for the fire.Five shops were completely gutted in the fire, which was first noticed around 10.30 pm on Monday and was doused around 2 am on Tuesday after pressing 21 Fire and Rescue units into service.Reni Lucose, Assistant Divisional Officer, Fire and Rescue Service, said that a preliminary inquiry revealed an approximate damage of Rs 1.5 crore.“The fire broke out from the KRS Parcel Service Centre. The inspection on Tuesday pointed towards short circuit being the primary cause of the fire outbreak. The parcel service godown is housed in an old building, which has a metal roofing. The heat inside the godown could possibly cause wear and tear to the insulation of the electrical wiring,” he said."There was a wooden framework and the godown had cosmetics, perfumes, gel and medicines stored inside it. These materials are highly inflammable and it caused the fire to spread fast to the nearby buildings,” said Lucose.He said that around 80-100 firemen were part of the rescue operation, with nine fire engines from various fire stations pressed into service.The parcel service centre has been completely destroyed in the fire. The police evacuated people from the area. The fire created panic as many shops and houses are situated in this thickly-populated shopping locality.  The fire was noticed by the local people and two fire engines reached the spot immediately.A team led by City Police Commissioner Manoj Abraham headed the damage-control operations. As the fire units from the nearby Fire and Rescue station were unable to control the fire, more units from Airport and Titanium fire stations were called in.Local people alleged that the two fire engines that reached the spot first were not carrying enough water and had to return soon to fill water. Meanwhile, one person who was part of the fire and rescue operation and was injured was admitted to a hospital. He was later discharged after administering medication.Agriculture Minister K P Mohanan visited the scene at Aryasala on Tuesday. He said that  after evaluating the extent of damage, adequate compensation would be declared by the State Government in consultation with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.Devaswom Minister V S Sivakumar also visited the spot.