Surat: A fire broke out on 24 March 2026 at around 1:15 PM in the RDF (Refuse-Derived Fuel) stockpile located behind Preshort-01 of the processing plant operated by CD Transport at Khajod.

Upon receiving the alert, approximately 18 Poclain machines available on-site were immediately deployed to control the fire. However, due to strong wind flow and the large volume of RDF material, the fire intensified and spread to the adjacent solid waste in the sanitary landfill cell. This led to the fire engulfing both the RDF storage area and the nearby landfill zone.

The fire department was promptly informed and launched an extensive firefighting operation. Around 82 lakh litres of water were used through 10 fire tenders. Despite sustained efforts, the fire had spread across a large area and was finally brought under control at approximately 4:00 PM on 26 March 2026.

To prevent re-ignition and suppress the fire completely, large-scale measures are ongoing. Around 1,500 tonnes of soil are being dumped over the affected area using 140 trucks in more than 250 rounds, along with 18 Poclain and JCB machines. These operations are being carried out in coordination between the fire department, municipal teams, and other concerned agencies.

Although the fire has been controlled, it is classified as a deep-seated fire, having penetrated into layers of solid waste. As a result, smoke emission has continued despite surface-level suppression.

The persistent smoke observed from 24 March to 8 April 2026 can be attributed to several factors. Sub-surface smouldering combined with limited oxygen supply leads to incomplete combustion, generating continuous dense smoke. Methane gas within the waste acts as a fuel, migrating through pores and sustaining internal combustion even when the surface appears extinguished. Additionally, wind conditions further accelerate incomplete combustion, contributing to ongoing smoke generation.

To address this issue, a high-level review meeting was held on 8 April 2026 at the ICCC under the chairmanship of the Municipal Commissioner, in the presence of senior officials including the City Engineer, Fire Department officials, Health Officer, Hydraulic Department representatives, Chief Fire Officer, and Solid Waste Management teams. The meeting focused on expert recommendations and further mitigation strategies.

Based on expert advice, a bio-culture-based firefighting agent named Renezyme has been proposed as a potential solution. Developed by a bioculture expert from Ahmedabad, this agent is believed to help control methane-induced smouldering by breaking down gas formation within the waste. A proof-of-concept demonstration was conducted at the Khajod disposal site.

Additionally, the Fire Department evaluated the use of foam as a smoke suppression method, and a trial demonstration has also been carried out.

The feasibility of deploying drones to spray bio-culture solutions or foam over affected areas is being explored, and necessary steps are underway.

To improve operational efficiency, the Fire Department has been instructed to examine local water refilling arrangements. Currently, fire tenders lose critical time traveling between Khajod and Bhimrad/Althan for refilling. A 5 lakh litre water tank at Dream City, Khajod, is being utilized, and arrangements are being made to ensure continuous water supply through pumping systems.

Furthermore, considering rising temperatures and the ongoing risk of methane-induced fires, the Surat Municipal Corporation is in the process of installing CCTV cameras at the Khajod disposal site to enable continuous monitoring and early detection as a preventive measure.

These details are shared by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) today in a formal press release.

DeshGujarat