Gulzar Houz fire: Telangana Fire Department counters allegations of victims’ family

Telangana State Fire Department (TGFD) explained the series of measures taken by its personnel during the rescue operation at building near Gulzar Houz, Hyderabad, where fire broke out on May 19, 2025. | Photo Credit: RAMAKRISHNA G

The Telangana State Fire Department (TGFD) has issued a rebuttal to allegations levelled by the family of victims who died in the fire accident near Gulzar Houz in Hyderabad on the morning of May 19, terming many of their claims as baseless or technically inaccurate.

A statement from the department said that the victims’ family had raised serious concerns over what they described as delays, equipment shortages, and lack of urgency on part of the fire personnel. In a rejoinder, the TGFD insisted that their team acted promptly and professionally under extremely difficult conditions.

The department stated that its first fire engine arrived at the site within three minutes of receiving the call. “There was no delay. The water tender had a full 4,500-litre tank,” a senior official said, dismissing the family’s claim that the vehicle had no water.

On the charge that firemen lacked essential gear such as torches and oxygen masks, TGFD clarified that all fire vehicles are stocked with Dragon Lights and Breathing Apparatus sets. “Six personnel were fully equipped and operated on-site. Our teams undergo daily checks for fuel, water, and gear readiness,” the statement read.

Responding to concerns over rescue operations, the department defended its strategy, citing extreme heat, poor visibility, and hazardous materials stored on the ground floor as major impediments. “Firefighting is not a game of bravado. We must first ventilate smoke, cool the site and then enter,” TGFD’s statement explained. “Our men accessed all three levels, ground, first floor and terrace, and conducted operations as fast as conditions allowed.”

The department also rejected the claim that locals carried out the rescue. “It is common during such incidents for concerned individuals or volunteers to hover around and assist in carrying equipment or injured persons, but the primary operations were entirely led by fire personnel,” the department maintained.

As for the claim that a fireman could not climb the ladder, the department noted that personnel had indeed reached the terrace via ladders and carried out search and rescue using breathing equipment.

Addressing concerns about alleged leakages from fire engines, TGFD clarified that what appeared to be leakage was actually coolant water discharge, a design feature in certain engine models. A hosepipe was reportedly damaged due to crowd interference on the ground.

The family had also alleged a delay of over 90 minutes before any rescue began. To this, the department responded that access to the site was severely compromised due to plywood interiors, batteries, bikes, and thick smoke. “A wall had to be broken for access. Simultaneous efforts were made on all levels,” the rejoinder stated.

Published - May 31, 2025 05:59 pm IST