Karnataka - Hubli-Dharwad   

Fire in jute godown at Hubli

Staff Correspondent

Personnel contain fire after 12 hours; extent of loss likely to be over Rs. 3 lakh

TOUGH TASK: Firefighters trying to put out the fire at a godown in Amargol APMC yard in Hubli on Tuesday.

HUBLI: Firefighters struggled for more than 12 hours to contain a fire in a godown storing jute and gunny bags at the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) yard at Amargol in Hubli on Tuesday.

A passer-by noticed smoke billowing from the godown at around 6 a.m. The fire station was informed and two vehicles were pressed into service.

However, the heat and smoke in the godown hindered the firefighters' attempts to contain the fire.

The godown was stuffed with jute and gunny bags making it difficult for firefighters to enter. Asbestos sheets on the roof had become red-hot and it was difficult to gain entry from top also, District Fire Officer B.K. Hampagol said.

Only after three hours of continuous efforts were the firefighters able to move five feet into the godown, Mr. Hampagol said

He said Jawahar Jartarghar of Hubli had taken the APMC godown on rent. According to preliminary investigation, the fire is likely to have been caused late on Monday night but was noticed only in the morning, he said.

Although it was premature to draw inference, the possibility of sabotage could not be ruled out, he said. So far, three fire engines have made more than 20 trips to the spot.

The extent of loss is likely to be Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 4 lakh.

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