S.L.R.M. Unit Gutted in Fire at Brahmavar
Udupi: In a tragic incident that unfolded in the early hours of the morning, the Solid Waste Management (S.L.R.M.) unit situated near the Brahmavar market was completely consumed by fire, resulting in extensive damage. The blaze reportedly ignited around 1 AM and rapidly engulfed the entire facility.
Initial assessments reveal that three ACE vehicles, a pickup truck, and waste materials worth several million rupees were irreparably damaged in the inferno. Furthermore, critical equipment including two billing machines, CCTV cameras, and important documentation housed within the unit were lost in the fire. The flames also spread to a nearby grocery store, causing additional property damage, while several electrical items left outside by Mamata Electricals were affected.
Firefighting units from Udupi, Kundapur, and Malpe encountered significant difficulties in quelling the blaze. The local police have retrieved the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) from the scene as part of their ongoing investigation into the fire’s origins, which escalated swiftly, producing hazardous smoke and flames.
The alert staff at a neighboring bookstore proved vital in minimizing the extent of the damage. Upon discovering the fire, they promptly informed the Brahmavar police, who, in turn, quickly alerted the fire station. Additionally, a tanker driver from Uppinakote played a key role by providing approximately 15 tankers of water to support the firefighting efforts. Firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the morning to control and extinguish the flames.
Prominent community figures, including former minister K. Jayaprakash Hegde, Brahmavar CPI Divakar, and various police officials, coordinated their efforts to address the situation effectively. District Fire Officer Vinayak Kalagutkar, along with Kundapur Fire Station Officer V. Sundar and Malpe Fire Station Officer Mohammed Shafi, were actively involved in managing the crisis.
As investigations proceed, local authorities remain focused on determining the cause of this unfortunate incident and are taking steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future.