As summers creep in, there is a spike in fire incidents, reported at plywood factories and Godowns in various states. Wood panel industries are always prone to catch fire particularly in the high temperature regions due to the usage of inflammable raw materials and resins such as phenol- formaldehyde and Urea-formaldehyde.
Recently a massive fire broke out at a wood company near a petrol pump on the Gandhidham Bhachau Highway in Kutch. Fire tenders, including Gandhidham Municipality were on-site, who worked tirelessly to contain the blaze.
In March, another fire incident was reported at a Paper mill in Varsola, Kheda district of Gujarat. The massive blaze gutted bundles of stored paper before fire tender reached the spot to douse the engulfing flames. A dreadful fire also broke out at Sangrila Ply Industry in Nepal’s Ghorahi Sub-metropolitan City-9 on 23rd March at midnight due to an electrical short circuit. The widespread fire destroyed plywood, raw materials, machinery, and other equipment at one of the district’s largest industries.
Fire prevention in a plywood and laminate factory is critical due to the high risk posed by wood dust, adhesives, and other combustible materials. But some prevention measures can certainly allay the risk of wildfires, causing immeasurable damage to both property and people. It is high time manufacturers and stockists need to deploy Electrical safety measures and storage handling training at their facilities.
Due to the rise in fire calls, fire officials have also implemented several measures, including restricting leave for all staff members; it has also been directed by the authorities that now the assistant divisional officer (ADO) will handle this duty to ensure maximum staff availability.