TIRUCHY: Karur residents suffer as garbage dump catches fire

Tiruchi: A fire broke out at a garbage dump constructed by the Karur Corporation at Five Roads in Vangal on Monday, following which residents complained of itching and suffocation. Firefighters who rushed to the spot doused the fire after nearly two hours of effort. Garbage collected by the Karur Corporation from residential areas and commercial establishments in all 48 wards is dumped at Arasu Colony at Five Roads in Vangal.

The fire broke out suddenly on Sunday with strong winds and the fire spread across the mound. Residents of the area reported it to municipal officials, who in turn informed the firefighters. Following this, traffic on the Karur-Vangal Road was diverted and over 20 firefighters rushed to the spot to douse the fire. The incident led to a thick blanket of smoke emanating from the main road and residents of the area complained of itching and suffocation. He said strong winds were blowing on Sunday evening and the fire broke out suddenly. They demanded to shift the mound to remote areas so that they can get a clean environment.