Major fire in Bangalore guts paint godown

A massive fire broke out in a godown belonging to a paint company in Garvebavipalya off Hosur road here on Thursday. There were, however, no casualties or injuries.

The fire at the Berger Paints warehouse was put off by the Fire Forces after a marathon 10-hour effort, but not before the intense blaze triggered partial collapse of a neighbouring building.

As soon as this fire was doused, another fire broke out at a plastic factory near Yegganahalli Cross at Peenya II Stage. Fortunately, it was of low intensity. The fire at the paints godown broke out at about 9:45 am. The godown contained paints and other inflammable materials like thinner and varnish. The fire soon spread through the building.

Workers in the area were soon evacuated. Though 10 fire tenders were rushed to the spot initially, the fire could not be controlled. Soon about 30 more vehicles were deployed. By noon, the fire spread to the adjoining building that also housed a paint godown and a garments factory.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained and damage to the property is yet to be established, said B G Changappa, Director Fire and Emergency Services. He added that the buildings had not received clearance from the Fire Department and had no fire safety and fire-fighting facilities. B G Hampagol, Technical Director, Fire and Emergency Services, told Deccan Herald that a chemical reaction of the inflammable materials or a short circuit could be the cause.

The Peenya fire was in a packaging factory. As employees were working with a machine used to print text on plastic packaging materials, a spark in the machine triggered a blaze that soon engulfed the entire factory. Eleven fire tenders rushed to the spot and put out the fire in about 90 minutes. No loss to life or any major injuries were reported.