Gas Fire in Inani, Cox's Bazar Still Burning After 20 Hours; Warning Issued for 200 to 250 Metres

A fire caused by gas escaping from underground during deep tube-well drilling in Inani, Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, could not be put out even after 20 hours. As of 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday (October 28), when this report was written, the fire was still burning.

The administration has issued a warning restricting public movement within 200 to 250 metres of the site. Four Fire Service units worked throughout the day to control the fire.

Members of a delegation from Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) issued a fresh warning. After inspecting the site at around 11 p.m. on Tuesday (October 27), BAPEX manager and head of the geological survey team S M Nafifun Arham said the fire would go out naturally once the gas in the underground layer from which it is escaping is exhausted.

Arham also said that trying to extinguish the fire by force before then risks spreading the fire underground. BAPEX representatives advised keeping the area 200 to 250 metres around the fire free of public entry and isolated while the situation is monitored.

Ukhiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Panna Akter said instructions have been given not to gather within 200 to 250 metres in that area of Inani. Further steps will be taken after assessing the situation depending on the fire going out.

The Fire Service had begun work to control the fire from Tuesday (October 27) morning. According to local residents, gas emissions from deep in the tube-well increased in the evening compared with the morning, causing panic among local residents over the fire's intensity and possible risk.

The incident began in the morning near the small bridge in Inani, in Jalia Palong Union. Drilling was under way to install a deep tube-well at a homestead. At one stage, strong-smelling gas came out from underground and immediately afterwards a fire ignited at the mouth of the tube-well.

Ukhiya Fire Service Station officer Saidul Islam said gas suddenly began coming out while work was under way to install a deep tube-well at the homestead. They reached the site as soon as they received the news. It is initially believed the incident was caused by the presence of gas underground.

The BAPEX delegation said work is continuing to determine how extensive the gas layer is, how much gas is stored there and how long the fire may take to go out.

Separately, fearing the fire could spread to electricity poles and wires, the Ukhiya Palli Bidyut Samity took precautionary measures. Electricity supply has been temporarily suspended along about 15 kilometres of the 33 kV line from Monkhali to Patuartek.

Those concerned fear that if flames spread to the electricity wires, the situation could become more dangerous. The decision was taken to keep electricity supply off until the fire's actual risk is assessed and safety is ensured.