Dhenkanal: A destructive fire engulfed the Excise Office of Kamakhya Nagar in Dhenkanal on Tuesday night, resulting in the complete destruction of 10 motorcycles. The incident, which occurred during a raid conducted by officials, has raised concerns about safety measures within government facilities.
Sources indicate that the fire erupted while officials were engaged in a raid at the Excise office premises. Initial suspicions point to a potential short circuit as the cause of the blaze. Thankfully, no casualties were reported despite the extensive damage inflicted on the vehicles.
Upon receiving notification of the fire, firefighting personnel promptly dispatched a fire tender to the scene to combat the flames. However, the intense nature of the fire posed significant challenges for the firefighters, prolonging the efforts to extinguish it.
Reports reveal that the motorcycles consumed by the fire were those seized by department officials during previous raids and stored at the Excise office. The loss of these vehicles not only represents a substantial financial setback but also highlights the importance of robust fire safety protocols in place to protect seized assets.
Local residents and stakeholders are expressing their concerns over the lack of adequate fire safety infrastructure and protocols, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these deficiencies. Additionally, there is a growing demand for enhanced accountability and transparency in the management and storage of confiscated assets to mitigate the risk of such calamities.