CHENNAI: A major fire broke out at a godown behind the LIC building on Thiru Vi Ka Road near Anna Salai on Thursday afternoon. The blaze, which began around 12 pm, was brought under control after a struggle lasting more than two hours. No injuries were reported.
According to Fire and Rescue Service (TNFRS) department, the fire broke out inside an automobile spare parts godown on the terrace of a two-floor commercial complex. A portion of the terrace had been used as a godown, sources said.
Officials suspect that sparks from welding work nearby could have triggered the fire. Workers initially attempted to douse the flames, but the fire spread rapidly.
Thick black smoke engulfed the area, making it difficult for the workers to spot the source of the fire, so they ran out of the building. Shops on the two floors below were also evacuated. The TNFRS was alerted, and eight fire tenders were pressed into service. Two water tankers were also deployed to aid the operation.
Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze after an effort lasting more than two hours. “A preliminary inquiry revealed that welding work was underway in the godown, and we suspect this triggered the fire. Further inquiry is on to ascertain the exact sequence of events. Nobody was injured, and property loss is yet to be assessed,” official sources told TNIE.