Massive fire engulfs godown in Malleswaram; residents of nearby buildings evacuated

A fire broke out on Friday morning at a furniture warehouse in Malleswaram, causing panic among residents as flames spread to nearby buildings. The warehouse, located on Dattatreya Temple Street, stored large quantities of furniture and wood handicrafts, which fuelled the fire.

Residents, alongside fire personnel, carried out rescue operations in an adjacent apartment complex as thick smoke engulfed all floors, making it difficult to breathe. Many senior citizens living in the building were seen struggling for air during the evacuation. A few residents sustained minor injuries during the rescue, a relative of one of the residents of the apartment said.

A Fire Department official told The Hindu that no casualties were reported, as workers in the warehouse and residents of nearby buildings were safely evacuated.

The Fire Department received a call around 3 a.m. from a local resident. Three fire tenders were dispatched immediately, and as the flames intensified, three more vehicles were deployed. After nearly nine hours of operations, firefighters finally brought the blaze under control.

The intensity of the fire was such that safety grills of adjacent buildings and the overhead water tanks of a nearby structure were seen melting. An eyewitness explained that the neighbouring apartment complex comprises 32 flats, all of which had to be evacuated at 3 a.m.

“One elderly resident was trapped on the third floor, panting for breath while awaiting rescue. Several senior citizens were brought out in wheelchairs,” a relative of one of the residents of the apartment told The Hindu.

The Fire Department said the operation took longer than usual due to the narrow street and closely packed houses in the area.

Preliminary investigations suggest the warehouse fire may have been caused by a short circuit. The presence of wooden furniture and flammable upholstery accelerated the flames, causing extensive damage, the cost of which is yet to be estimated. However, residents alleged that warehouse workers had lit scrap wood to keep themselves warm, which was left unattended and said this may have triggered the fire.