A massive fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday, completely gutting a plastic waste processing factory in Thamarassery, Kozhikode district. The incident, which caused an estimated loss of Rs 50 lakh, fortunately resulted in no casualties as the plant was not operational at night.
Six-Hour Battle to Control the Inferno
The fire is reported to have started around 3:30 am near the Elokkara area, close to Thamarassery. Firefighting teams from Mukkam, Narikkuni, and Kozhikode rushed to the scene and engaged in a grueling operation lasting over six hours. Officials stated that while the raging blaze was brought under control by approximately 6:00 am, it took several more hours to completely douse the flames, with the operation concluding around 9:30 am.
Extensive Damage to Property and Assets
The fire caused extensive destruction to the factory's infrastructure. A three-storey building housing the factory office was completely destroyed. The damaged structures included:
- A large storage unit with an area of 7,000 square feet, constructed from iron sheets.
- A 4,000 square feet concrete structure.
- A pickup van parked within the factory premises was also reduced to ashes.
The timely absence of workers averted a major tragedy. The factory, which employs 75 workers, was shut for the night, and all staff were staying outside the premises.
Investigation into the Cause Underway
Fire department officials have stated that the exact cause of the fire is still unclear and requires further investigation. However, initial suspicion points towards fireworks set off on the road as part of New Year celebrations, which may have sparked the blaze. A detailed probe will be conducted to confirm the origin and reason behind the devastating incident.
This fire highlights the significant risks faced by industrial units, especially those handling flammable materials like plastic waste, and underscores the importance of stringent fire safety measures even during non-operational hours.
