A natural gas fire that erupted during deep tube-well boring in the Ukhia upazila of Cox's Bazar has continued to burn unabated for more than a day, drawing massive crowds of curious onlookers and keeping local administration on high alert. The fire originated on Tuesday morning around 7:00 AM in the residential courtyard of Mostafa Sikdar near the Inani Marine Drive small bridge area. Despite the passage of over 36 hours, the intensity of the flames has actually increased in some areas, prompting authorities to adopt a hands-off monitoring approach.
Immediately after the incident was reported, local fire service units, police, and residents attempted to douse the flames using water and sand. However, recognizing the high pressure and continuous flow of the subterranean gas, those firefighting efforts were promptly suspended. A specialized expert team from the Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (Bapex) subsequently visited the site to evaluate the geological risk. Bapex officials firmly advised that the fire must be allowed to burn naturally until the underground gas reservoir is completely exhausted, warning that forceful suppression could divert the gas underground and trigger a catastrophic explosion.
By Wednesday afternoon, officials from Bapex, the fire service, the district administration, and the power division were stationed at a safe distance to monitor the volatile situation. Gusts of wind from the northwest caused the roaring flames to sway, creating a dramatic and hazardous scene. Police faced difficulties managing the swelling crowds of onlookers who travelled from distant areas to witness the phenomenon, leading to occasional arguments over safety perimeters and restricted zones.
Senior fire service officials in Cox's Bazar reiterated that experts are allowing the subterranean gas to consume itself safely. Until the natural pressure drops and the flame extinguishes on its own, emergency responders and district authorities will maintain a round-the-clock watch to secure the surrounding neighborhood. This rare incident has also sparked discussions regarding shallow hydrocarbon pockets in the region, though current efforts remain strictly focused on public safety and managing the ongoing controlled burn.
