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Kolkata Printing Press Fire: Major Blaze Amid Bhai Phonta Festival Chaos

A major fire broke out at a printing press on Amherst Street in north Kolkata. Seven fire engines rushed to the scene as black smoke engulfed the entire area. Firefighters faced significant challenges due to the congested location and flammable materials stored at the press. Fortunately, no casualties were reported despite the intense blaze occurring during Bhai Phonta festival preparations.

Key Points: Major Fire at Kolkata Printing Press on Amherst Street

  • Seven fire engines deployed to battle intense printing press blaze
  • Black smoke covers entire Amherst Street area during festival
  • Firefighters face challenges in congested area with gas masks
  • Large flammable material storage caused rapid fire spread
  • Nearby shops damaged as flames spread through congested lanes
2 min read

Major fire breaks out at printing press on Amherst Street in Kolkata

Massive fire engulfs Kolkata printing press on Amherst Street during Bhai Phonta festival. Seven fire engines battle intense blaze amid heavy black smoke. No casualties reported.

"We are trying to bring the fire under control. Too much smoke is causing inconvenience to our firefighters - Fire Brigade Officer"

Kolkata, Oct 23

A major fire broke out in a printing press in the Amherst Street area of north Kolkata. No casualty was reported so far, said officials.

Seven fire engines were at the spot to douse the fire. Firefighters were working on a war footing to bring the fire under control. Following the fire, the entire area has been covered in black smoke. However, no one has been injured in the fire.

The fire broke out as the people were busy preparing for the cherished festival of 'Bhai Phonta (Bhai dooj)'.

As it is a congested area, firefighters were having a challenging time putting out the fire.

Some of the firefighters were seen wearing gas masks as the black smoke engulfed the area. However, it was not clear how the fire started. The initial assumption of the fire department is that it may have started due to a short circuit.

"We are trying to bring the fire under control. Too much smoke is causing inconvenience to our firefighters," said a fire brigade officer.

It is learnt that local people saw black smoke coming out of the printing press this morning. The local fire department and police were immediately informed. At first, three fire engines rushed to the spot one by one. However, the area is so congested that the firemen had to walk a few metres to the incident spot. Later, four more fire engines reached near the spot.

Since it was a printing press, a large amount of flammable material was stored there, said officials. Due to that, the fire spread instantly and became intense quickly. The surrounding area was filled with black smoke.

According to the police, several nearby shops were damaged in the fire. However, the firefighters were working to stop the fire from spreading further.

Just two days ago, a massive fire broke out at a dye factory in Khardah of the North 24 Parganas district. The fire also spread to the nearby T-shirt-making factory. About 20 fire engines were used to douse the fire.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is the second major fire in Kolkata area within days! The Khardah factory fire was just two days back. Are our fire safety regulations being properly enforced? Authorities need to conduct more regular inspections, especially in congested areas.
A
Arjun K
Our firefighters are real heroes! 🚒 Working in that thick black smoke with gas masks, in congested lanes where even fire engines can't reach properly. Salute to their bravery and dedication.
S
Sarah B
Printing presses store so much paper and chemicals - highly flammable materials. Business owners in old Kolkata areas need to be more careful with electrical wiring and fire safety measures. Prevention is better than cure!
M
Meera T
On the eve of Bhai Phonta! 😔 Hope the affected families can still celebrate the festival properly. The timing couldn't be worse. Wishing strength to all affected shop owners and residents in the area.
V
Vikram M
The congestion in north Kolkata is a major problem for emergency services. Fire engines having to park far away and firefighters walking to the spot - this delays response time significantly. Urban planning needs urgent attention.
D
David E
Good to see the quick response with 7 fire engines. The black smoke from burning printing materials can be toxic, so glad firefighters were using gas masks. Hope nearby residents are

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