Major Fire Erupts at Kolkata Furniture Factory, Triggers Panic in Topsia
A significant fire erupted at a furniture manufacturing factory in south-east Kolkata's Topsia area on Friday afternoon. The blaze started inside a sofa production unit and quickly intensified.
Fire Spreads to Nearby Structures
Flames from the factory spread to a nearby garage and a residential house. This rapid spread caused considerable panic among residents in the congested locality. Local witnesses reported seeing thick smoke and hearing loud crackling sounds as the fire grew.
Massive Firefighting Operation Deployed
Fire department officials immediately dispatched eleven fire tenders to combat the blaze. Initially, five fire engines reached the scene first. Additional units followed shortly after to reinforce the firefighting efforts.
Emergency personnel evacuated all workers from inside the factory unit. Police and fire officials also cleared nearby buildings as a precautionary measure. Authorities established a security cordon around the affected area to maintain order and ensure public safety.
Challenging Conditions Hamper Firefighters
Firefighters encountered significant difficulties while trying to control the fire. Narrow lanes and dense construction around the factory made it hard to access the site properly. Positioning firefighting equipment became a major challenge in the tight spaces.
To reach the heart of the fire, fire personnel had to create entry points by breaking sections of walls. This unconventional approach became necessary due to the limited access routes available to them.
Factory Stored Flammable Materials
According to local sources familiar with the facility, the factory stored substantial quantities of highly flammable materials. These included foam, fabric, and numerous finished or semi-finished sofas. The presence of these combustible items likely contributed to the fire's rapid spread and intensity.
Damage Assessment and Investigation
Officials had not confirmed the exact extent of damage to adjacent properties by late afternoon. The investigation into the fire's cause remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet determined what sparked the initial blaze at the furniture manufacturing unit.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported at the time emergency services filed their initial reports. The successful evacuation of workers and nearby residents prevented potential injuries or loss of life.
The incident highlights the fire risks associated with industrial operations in densely populated urban areas. It also underscores the challenges fire departments face when responding to emergencies in neighborhoods with limited access routes.
