Siliguri, 20th August: Sensation prevailed after a major fire broke out at a warehouse in Siliguri Ward No. 07 Vivekananda Road, late Wednesday night.
The locals immediately informed the fire brigade after they noticed smoke coming out of the warehouse around midnight. However, the blaze soon spread to a nearby warehouse and a primary school before the arrival of the firefighters.
As each warehouse was stocked with old paper and plastic, it took nearly 5 hours to the firefighters to put off the fire. The materials inside the warehouses were later retrieved with the help of the cleaning staff of Siliguri Municipal Corporation.
While the cause of the fire has not been confirmed, it has been primarily assumed that the fire broke out due to a short circuit. However, questions are being raised concerning frequent fire breakouts in the same area. Due to a large amount of paper and plastic in the warehouses, fire officials fear that occasional fires could lead to major accidents. Moreover, the absence of a fire extinguishing system in the warehouses adds to the concern.
Meanwhile, valuables including furniture and benches of the primary school have been damaged in the incident. Upon receiving the news, the school teachers reached the spot shortly after. The matter has also been informed to the education department officials.