Surat: Fire at Khajod disposal site in Surat is likely to continue and trigger further, due to continuous emmission of Methan gas at the site and rising temperature. Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) today in a note stated that the process of installation of CCTV cameras for monitoring and supervision is underway. Plans are also underway to ensure on-site water storage for faster response to any future incidents.

SMC in its note has stated that while the fire that broke out on March 24, was largely brought under control, a portion of the RDF(Refuse-Derived Fuel) stock reignited on April 6 due to changing wind direction and intense heat. Officials on duty responded in coordination with the fire department. However, strong winds caused smoke to drift towards the north-east direction. Necessary measures have been taken to mitigate the impact.

SMC informed – ‘a major fire broke out in the RDF/recycle storage area at the Khajod Disposal Site in Surat at around 1:15 pm on March 24, 2026, near the rear side of Preshort-1. Considering the seriousness of the situation, the SMC launched firefighting operation under the direct guidance of the Municipal Commissioner.’

‘Fire and Emergency Services teams from eight different fire stations were deployed. More than 60 firefighting units, including over 12 fire engines and water bowsers, were engaged in efforts to contain the blaze. Approximately 80 lakh litres of water were used to control the fire, with water supply maintained throughout the operation.’

‘To prevent the fire from reigniting and to extinguish it internally, over 150 truckloads of soil have been dumped at the site using 18 Poklen and JCB machines. The firefighting and containment efforts are being carried out in close coordination between the fire department, municipal teams, and other concerned agencies.’

‘The fire was mostly controlled by the above efforts, but due to the constantly changing wind direction and heat, the fire rate increased again on 06/04/26 in a part of the R.D.F. volume and for that, the supervisors present on duty of Surat Municipal Corporation immediately tried to control the fire in coordination with the fire department. But due to the direction and speed of the wind, the smoke spread in the north-east direction. Effective steps have been taken to stop it.’

‘Due to the current increasing heat and the possibility of fire at the Khajod disposal site due to the continuous emission of methane gas, the Surat Municipal Corporation is in progress to install CCTV cameras for continuous supervision and monitoring as part of its vigilance, and steps will be taken to store water there for immediate use in case of a fire in the future.’ DeshGujarat