Firefighters dousing fire at Corporation garbage dump yard at Vellakkal in Madurai on Monday.
| Photo Credit: R. ASHOK
A massive fire that broke out on Sunday afternoon at the Vellakkal garbage dump yard in Avaniyapuram continues to rage for the second consecutive day, sending thick plumes of toxic smoke across several residential areas and key transit routes.Despite an intensified operation by Fire and Rescue Services personnel, emergency teams are struggling to bring the blaze under control due to high winds and the sheer volume of combustible waste.The firefighting began on Sunday with more than five fire tenders deployed from Madurai city and suburban stations. However, the rescue efforts faced immediate challenges due to high wind velocity which fanned the flames, causing the fire to spread rapidly across tonnes of accumulated waste.“Because tonnes of garbage is burning from deep within the mounds, extinguishing the fire completely has proven difficult, causing a temporary slack in containing the blaze,” said a Fire and Rescue Services personnel.“In response to the escalating crisis, teams were called on Monday. More than eight fire engines from Madurai and neighbouring Sivaganga districts have now been deployed to the site,” they added.To supplement the fire tenders, municipal water-carrying trucks has been mobilised to ensure an uninterrupted water supply for the ongoing operation.Nearby residents in areas of Avaniyapuram, Chinthamani, Samanatham and areas leading to the Madurai Airport were worried about the heavy blanket of dense smoke that has enveloped their neighbourhoods.Corporation officials said that they were monitoring the situation as emergency personnel work round the clock to bring the inferno completely under control. Published - July 06, 2026 07:25 pm IST
