Paradip, Odisha: A huge fire broke out at Paradip Port in Odisha, taking down at least 17 fishing boats and causing a lot of damage. It all started in the evening, and things escalated quickly when multiple gas tank explosions rocked the area. To tackle the raging flames, authorities sent 13 fire engines, with help coming from Cuttack to get things under control.

During the firefighting efforts, one person got injured and was rushed to Atharbanki Hospital for care. Officials are now looking into what caused the fire, which is thought to have started from a gas leak while someone was cooking on one of the boats.

Fire Seen from Almost Three Kilometers Away, Swift Spread Raises Concerns

Eyewitnesses say the fire began on a fishing boat tied up at the port jetty. In just minutes, flames jumped to nearby boats, fueled by flammable stuff like diesel, gas cylinders, fishing nets, and wooden structures. The fire was so intense that it could be seen from three kilometers away.

Firefighters from Paradip Port and the surrounding industrial areas worked hard to get the blaze under control. They battled the flames with foam and water for hours before finally putting it out. But the damage has left the local fishing community heartbroken.

Police Called in to Keep Chaos in Check at the Scene

As the fire raged on, panic set in among fishermen and locals at the port. The chaos made it hard for rescue teams to do their jobs. To manage the situation, authorities brought in police from several local stations, including Marine, Paradip, Lock, Jatadhari Estuary, and Abhaychandpur. The police were key in keeping the crowd under control and ensuring rescue and firefighting operations went smoothly.

Gas Leak Believed to Be the Main Cause of Fire

Initial investigations suggest that a gas leak during cooking might have sparked the fire. Things got out of hand when gas cylinders on the boats exploded, causing a chain reaction that rapidly spread the flames. Over ten gas tanks reportedly blew up during the incident, making it even harder for firefighters to manage the blaze.

Fishing boats docked at the port usually carry a lot of diesel—between 500 to 3,000 liters—because they head out on long fishing trips into deeper waters.

the Horror of the Incident

Fishermen and port workers who witnessed the tragedy described the terrifying scene as fire and explosions engulfed the area.

The fire spread so fast that we had no time to react. One moment, there was smoke, and the next, we heard explosions. Flames consumed the boats within minutes," said a fisherman who managed to escape.

Another worker added, "The sky turned red from the fire, and there was thick smoke everywhere. We lost everything—our boats, fishing nets, and our livelihood. It’s heartbreaking.

Authorities Launch Investigation and Damage Assessment

Following the incident, local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess the total damage. Officials are also examining whether any safety violations contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

The Paradip Port Trust and the Odisha government have assured the affected fishermen and boat owners that they will receive assistance in recovering from the disaster. Plans are being made to provide financial relief to those who lost their boats and fishing equipment in the fire.

Need for Improved Fire Safety Measures at Fishing Ports

The incident has raised serious concerns about fire safety measures at fishing harbors. Experts have pointed out the urgent need for stricter regulations and improved safety protocols to prevent such disasters in the future.

Some key recommendations include:

Mandatory fire extinguishers on all boats – Ensuring that every fishing boat is equipped with functional fire extinguishers for emergencies.

Proper storage of diesel and gas cylinders – Implementing strict guidelines on how flammable materials are stored and handled.

Regular safety inspections – Conducting frequent fire safety checks on boats and fishing docks.

Emergency response training for fishermen – Educating fishermen on fire prevention techniques and how to respond in case of a fire emergency.

Given the frequency of fire-related incidents in fishing harbors, authorities are expected to introduce new safety guidelines to prevent such disasters in the future.

Economic and Social Impact on Fishermen

The destruction of 17 boats has dealt a severe economic blow to local fishermen, many of whom rely on these vessels for their livelihood. Fishing is a major industry in Paradip, and the loss of boats means financial ruin for many families.

A fisherman who lost his boat in the fire said, "We have no other means of income. These boats were our lifeline. We urge the government to help us rebuild and support our families during this crisis."

The Odisha government has assured the affected fishermen that compensation and relief measures will be provided. However, the long-term impact on the local economy remains a concern.