Fire engulfs incense stick factor, no casualty reported

Indore: A fire broke out at an incense sticks factory and warehouse in the Hammal Colony area early Monday morning, causing extensive property damage. No casualties were reported.The fire started around 5 am and spread rapidly, engulfing the factory's tin-roofed structure. Thick plumes of smoke and towering flames were visible from a distance, triggering panic among local residents who rushed out of their homes. The fire brigade was alerted and three fire tenders were dispatched to the scene.Due to the highly inflammable nature of the material stored inside, the fire had already taken a formidable shape by the time help arrived.It took the firefighting team approximately two and a half hours and nearly 75,000 litres of water to bring the blaze under control. Preliminary reports indicate that the factory, operated by one Mehul Jain in a building owned by Akash Gurjar, suffered heavy losses.The fire completely destroyed raw material, chemicals, finished incense stick stocks, manufacturing machinery, fragrance oils and perfumes.While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, the police suspect a short circuit may have ignited the chemicals. An investigation into the incident was underway.