Fire sparks at manufacturing unit, firefighters battle blaze into the night

Noida: A fire broke out at the Spark Minda manufacturing facility in Sector 59 on Saturday evening. Thick smoke shrouded the sky and was visible from several kilometres away. A total of 25 fire tenders were deployed to the scene and five people were treated for injuries. No casualties were reported as firefighters continued to battle the flames late into the night.Fire officials said the blaze started around 4.30pm, the fire alarm sounded shortly after and around 600 employees promptly evacuated the factory. While five workers were treated for minor injuries and smoke inhalation, there were no major injuries reported.Chief fire officer (CFO) said the fire engulfed sections of the ground and first floor of the facility, where chemicals and thinner were stored. The presence of highly flammable materials caused the fire to spread rapidly.“The fire affected areas where chemicals and thinner were kept. Because of the combustible materials, the flames spread quickly. We are using the latest firefighting techniques to contain the blaze,” Chaubey said.Initially, five fire tenders were dispatched to the spot, but additional units were called in due to the intensity of the flames, bringing the total number of fire units at the scene to 25. The blaze had not been doused late on Saturday night.Officials said the factory has a water storage capacity of approximately seven to eight lakh litres, which is being utilised in the firefighting effort. As a precautionary measure, nearby industrial units were alerted and security arrangements in the surrounding area were strengthened.Police and fire department teams established a secure perimeter around the affected area while rescue and containment operations continued.The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Preliminary investigation point to a possible short circuit or technical malfunction, though officials stressed that the actual cause will only be known after the fire is completely extinguished and a detailed investigation is conducted.The Spark Minda plant manufactures automotive tool parts and components.“Immediate action was taken in accordance with emergency response procedures and the fire was brought under control with the assistance of the local fire department. There were no casualties or injuries,” a Spark Minda spokesperson said. “The impact on operations is currently being assessed, and necessary steps are being taken to restore normalcy at the earliest. A committee has been constituted by the company to oversee the situation and will provide further updates as and when verified information becomes available.”An assessment of property damage will be carried out once the situation is fully under control, officials said.