Fire – Massive Blaze Damages Dyeing Factory in Bhiwandi
Fire – A devastating fire swept through a dyeing factory in Bhiwandi during the early hours of Friday, February 28, causing extensive damage to the three-storey industrial structure. The incident occurred at the Nilesh dyeing unit situated inside Khokha Compound in Thane district, triggering an immediate emergency response from local fire authorities.
Fire Breaks Out Before Dawn
According to officials, the blaze erupted before sunrise and rapidly spread across the premises. Thick smoke was seen billowing from the factory building, drawing attention from nearby residents and workers in the area. The intensity of the flames led to concerns that the fire could spread to adjoining industrial units within the compound.
Authorities were alerted shortly after the fire started, prompting an urgent mobilization of firefighting teams from Bhiwandi and neighboring Kalyan.
Multiple Fire Engines Deployed
At least five fire tenders were dispatched to the scene to contain the flames. Firefighters from both Bhiwandi and Kalyan worked in coordination to prevent further escalation. Officials confirmed that four to five fire engines remained engaged in firefighting operations for several hours.
Sachin Pawar, a fire officer with the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation, said the situation was critical when teams first arrived. “The fire had already intensified by the time we reached the location. Our priority is to control it swiftly and stop it from spreading,” he said.
Fire personnel used water jets and other firefighting equipment to battle the blaze from multiple points around the building. Efforts were focused on cooling operations to reduce the temperature and prevent structural collapse.
No Casualties Reported
Relief came in the form of initial reports confirming that no injuries or fatalities have been recorded so far. Authorities stated that workers were not present inside the factory at the time the fire broke out, which likely prevented casualties.
Emergency teams continued to monitor the site to ensure there were no trapped individuals inside the building. As a precaution, nearby units were also advised to remain alert.
Investigation to Determine Cause
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Officials indicated that a detailed inquiry will be carried out once the cooling process is completed and the site is declared safe for inspection. Industrial fires in dyeing units can sometimes be triggered by chemical reactions or electrical faults, but authorities have not confirmed any specific reason at this stage.
The extent of the financial loss is yet to be assessed. The dyeing factory housed machinery, fabrics, and chemicals, all of which may have been affected by the blaze.
Industrial Safety Concerns
Bhiwandi is known for its concentration of warehouses and industrial facilities, making fire safety a critical issue in the region. Incidents like this often highlight the importance of regular safety audits, proper storage of chemicals, and adherence to fire prevention guidelines in industrial areas.
Fire officials emphasized that cooling operations would continue until there is no risk of re-ignition. Further updates are expected once the investigation team completes its preliminary assessment.
For now, authorities remain focused on ensuring the area is secure and that surrounding structures are protected from any secondary hazards.