Incense sticks-making unit near Katpadi gutted

A 48-year-old owner of an incense sticks-making unit at Magimandalam village near Katpadi in Vellore escaped unhurt after fire broke out in the unit on Wednesday, resulting in thick smoke in the area.

Police said that it was around 6 a.m. when S. Baskaran, the owner, went to his unit as part of his routine patrol. , He noticed thick smoke coming from the unit. Immediately, along with neighbours and other residents, he tried to douse the fire but the fire spread to the entire unit, which is around 1,200 sq.ft. 

On being informed, a 10-member firefighter team from Katpadi and Melpadi police rushed to the spot. Before firefighters could reach the spot, fire spread to the entire unit. After nearly two hours, firefighters doused the fire. The entire unit was gutted. Tonnes of incense sticks, stocks, and machinery were destroyed in the accident.

A case was registered by Melpadi police. Police said that an electrical short circuit from the main electrical board inside the house could be the reason for the incident. A probe is under way.