A fire fuelled by natural gas escaping from underground has continued for four days in Inani, Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, prompting the local administration to impose Section 144 around the site to ensure public safety.
People have been barred from entering or staying within a 200-metre radius of the gas emission site.
The incident began on Tuesday, when a local resident, Abdullah, arranged for drilling work to install a tube well in his yard. Gas started escaping through the borehole, followed by flames.
As a precaution, families living near the site have been moved to safer locations. Authorities have also fenced off the area within a 200-metre radius with barbed wire and placed red flags to warn people.
Electricity supply in the area was initially suspended for safety reasons but was later restored through an alternative arrangement.
The incident has drawn crowds of curious onlookers, including tourists visiting Marine Drive and people travelling from distant areas.
SM Nafefun Arham, party chief of a geological survey team that visited the site, said the gas should be allowed to escape naturally for now.
He said the fire must not be extinguished and the gas flow must not be obstructed, as doing so could cause gas to accumulate underground and create high pressure. This could lead to an explosion, potentially putting a much wider area at risk.
He said the gas flow should initially be monitored for 15 days. If the flow gradually decreases, it may eventually stop on its own. If it does not, experts will be consulted on measures to control it.
Ukhiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Panna Akter said Section 144 had been imposed in the interest of public safety, prohibiting entry and movement within 200 metres of the fire's source.
She said people had also been instructed not to light fires, smoke or use matches or lighters in the area. The restrictions will remain in place until further notice.