West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Howrah, August 5: Panic gripped the Belur area of Howrah on Wednesday morning after a massive fire broke out at Ambika Jute Mill under the Belur police station area. The incident reportedly occurred in the morning when workers noticed thick smoke suddenly emerging from the cutting section of the jute mill. Within moments, it became clear that a fire had broken out inside the industrial premises, prompting the workers to immediately alert the fire department.

After receiving the information, three fire engines were quickly dispatched to the spot. Firefighters began an intensive operation to bring the blaze under control. The fire was reportedly quite intense, while the congested nature of the surrounding area made the firefighting operation more challenging. Fire personnel had to work carefully and continuously to prevent the flames from spreading to other sections of the mill and nearby areas.

After nearly two hours of sustained efforts, the fire was brought under control. Firefighters continued to monitor the affected section to ensure that no hidden flames or embers remained that could potentially trigger another outbreak. The timely intervention of the fire department helped prevent the situation from escalating further.

News of the fire quickly spread across the surrounding locality, creating considerable panic among residents and workers. Several local residents gathered near the mill premises as the firefighting operation continued. Given the presence of an industrial establishment and the possibility of the flames spreading to adjoining sections, the situation caused concern among people living and working in the area.

Police personnel also reached the spot to manage the situation and maintain order. Officers took precautionary measures to prevent people from getting too close to the affected area and to ensure that firefighting operations could continue without obstruction. The police and fire department personnel coordinated their efforts to contain the situation and prevent the blaze from spreading to other parts of the mill.

Firefighters took immediate steps to restrict the flames to the affected section of the mill. Continuous water spraying was carried out as part of the operation, while personnel closely monitored the surrounding areas. The congested surroundings added to the difficulties faced by the emergency teams, but the fire was eventually brought under control after approximately two hours.

The exact cause of the fire has not yet been established. Officials are investigating whether an electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze or whether another factor was responsible. Fire department personnel and police officials are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident as part of the investigation.

The extent of damage caused by the fire is also yet to be determined. It was not immediately clear how much machinery, raw material or other property may have been affected by the blaze. Once the fire was completely brought under control, fire department and police officials inspected the premises to assess the situation and gather information relevant to the investigation.

Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed assessment of the affected section before determining the total extent of the losses. The inspection will also help establish the precise point from where the fire originated and whether any safety-related issues contributed to the incident.

The incident has once again highlighted the importance of strict fire-safety measures in industrial establishments, particularly in densely populated areas. Although the blaze at Ambika Jute Mill was brought under control within around two hours, the sudden outbreak caused considerable alarm among workers and residents in the surrounding locality.

Further details are awaited as the investigation continues. Officials are expected to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess the overall damage after completing their inspection of the mill premises.