Howrah: A massive fire broke out at the workshop of the closed Burn Standard factory in Howrah on Monday evening. The fire was first noticed in an abandoned warehouse of the factory around 7.30 pm. Workers present in the vicinity of the fire managed to escape before it gained intensity. Until last reports came in, 12 fire tenders were deployed in the fire-fighting operations.
Fire officials said all workers were evacuated and no one was trapped or injured in the incident.

Sources said work was underway with a gas cutter to cut iron in an abandoned warehouse of the factory. Sparks from it spread to wood and other debris stored in the warehouse, igniting the fire. Locals also claimed they heard a series of explosions. Firemen said industrial gas cylinders could have exploded in the fire.
A significant portion of the warehouse was reduced to ashes. Due to the winds, the fire quickly began to spread to other parts of the factory. However, firefighters managed to contain the fire to one area.
The Burn Standard factory in Howrah has been closed for a long time. At one time, all railway equipment was manufactured here.
Local resident Sudesh Sau said that a company responsible for cleaning inside the closed Burn Standard was cutting metal when a spark ignited the fire. Subsequently, the fire spread over a large area due to the presence of stored oil, cloth, and other flammable materials.
Local legislator and minister Arup Roy said, “Work was ongoing inside when somehow the fire started and spread after coming into contact with easily flammable materials and industrial cylinders. The Hooghly is very close to Burn Standard, located at the junction of Telkal Ghat and Grand Foreshore Road on one side and Rishi Bankim Road on the other, strong winds from the river quickly spread the fire,” he said.