Fire at factory plot in Mohali

Mohali, May 21

A fire broke out on a vacant plot of an old pharmaceutical factory in the Industrial Area in Phase II here on Monday evening.

According to sources, the fire started around 5.55 pm and spread over an area of 7 acres, gutting mostly bushes and overgrown weeds inside the old Ranbaxy factory, which closed down over four years ago.

Fire station officials said four fire tenders were pressed into service. Till the time of filing the report, the operation was ongoing and fire was yet to be brought under control.

A fire official said firemen entered the factory from the Mohali village side after scaling a wall. KC Sood, Fire Officer, Mohali, said: “A call was received at 6.05 pm regarding a major fire incident at a factory. Assisted by strong winds in the evening, fire spread fast over an area of at least 7 acres, burning wild growth in the factory.”

Sood said the cause of fire was yet to be ascertained, adding that it could be due to a carelessly disposed cigarette butt. Fire officials ruled out the possibility of short-circuit causing fire, saying the abandoned factory lacked a power source. Sources said no loss of life or property was reported. — TNS