A major industrial fire erupted at a paper packaging mill in the New Mandli industrial area on Wednesday evening, causing extensive damage to property and machinery. The incident, which occurred around 6:30 PM, quickly escalated as tonnes of highly combustible paper rolls stored on the premises caught fire. Within minutes, the flames had engulfed the entire factory, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and creating panic among local residents.

Rescue and Dousing Operations

Upon receiving the alert, a team of firefighters led by Shivamogga District Fire Officer Ashok Kumar rushed to the scene. Given the intensity of the blaze and the nature of the materials involved, the operation proved to be challenging. The fire personnel worked tirelessly for three and a half hours to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent industrial units. Their prompt response was crucial in managing the disaster.

Damage Assessment and Safety Context

Paper rolls, packaging materials, and other factory assets worth lakhs of rupees were completely gutted in the inferno. While the financial loss is significant, authorities confirmed that there was no loss of life, a fortunate outcome given the speed at which the fire spread. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, and a detailed assessment of the damage is currently underway. This incident highlights the critical need for stringent fire safety audits in industrial zones, particularly in units storing flammable materials.