Bashundhara fire
Photo: STAR
Reading through the various newspaper reports; it seems that the failure of the sprinkler system is probably the main reason for the seriousness of the fire. It makes me recall my younger days, when I was responsible for the Khulna Newsprint Mills fire services on the technical side, (not fire-fighting) way back in early 1960s! The fire section there had its own fire engine, belonging to KNM! The source of water was the nearby river; with two water pumps; one electric and one with diesel engine which fed into the emergency 10,000cft. reserve tank, dedicated to fire fighting only. This reserve tank had two high capacity pumps; one diesel and one electric; the reason being that for safety electricity had to be shut off as soon as there was a fire to eliminate the chance of electrical causes for fire. This fed the sprinkler system and fire hydrants, with hose reels at various locations. A further back up was an emergency diesel pump connected to the housing colony drinking water system having its own large reserve tank of drinking water, isolated from the mills. Water from this large reserve was available if needed. It could also feed the fire hydrant system. When large quantity of water was needed for fire fighting; it could automatically start the underground submersible pump of the tube well; as soon as water level in the reserve drinking water tank reached a pre-set level. As further safety, the electric supply for the colonies could be instantly separate from the mills, and connected to the public electric supply as needed. Dry paper area, starting from the paper machine dryers all had a number of sprinklers on the roof, with fusible plugs; which melted at around 70deg.C and spray water and set off audible alarm as the sprinkler header pressure became lower! We had to test the pumps every month; and the sprinkler system maybe quarterly, if I remember. But one thing was for sure; any negligence in fire fighting operating equipment called for instant dismissal! Also it was mandatory that the diesel pumps started at the first push of the starter button; otherwise there was hell to pay! The term "You are fired" was a reality in those days in KNM, under Sandwell management; applicable equally to expatriate or local personnel!
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