On Valentine’s Day, a major fire was reported at Archies greeting card factory in Naraina industrial area in west Delhi on Thursday. No casualties have been reported as the incident happened in the early hours of the day.
A medium category fire was reported in Naraina industrial area, Phase I, due to short circuit on the first floor. The security guards of the building attempted to douse the flame for an hour before informing the fire department about the situation. The fire broke out around 6 a.m.
Wind plays spoilsport
“We almost got control of the fire but the fire extinguisher cylinders got empty and it started spreading due to heavy winds. We informed the fire department and the police about the incident,” said a security guard of the building, who wished not to be named.
According to the fire department, the blaze spread rapidly to the ground and other two floors of the building. Initially 20 fire engines were rushed to the spot. Fortunately, the incident was reported during the early morning hours and except security guards no other staff were present in the building.
“The factory manager who was in the building on night shift informed that a telephone switchboard caught fire and the flames spread to other parts of the multi-storey building. The premises is used by Archies for manufacturing cards and other gifts,” said a fire officer.
The fire was doused by 11.30 a.m. after four hours of firefighting. The cooling operation ended by evening. “Around 30 fire engines were pressed into service to douse the fire. The fire was of medium category and it was contained after four hours of effort,” said Chief Fire Officer Atul Garg.
