A fire broke out at a factory producing thermocol plates and bowls near Alampur crossing on Andul Road in Howrah. The fire started around 3 PM this afternoon. Three fire engines reached the spot and brought the blaze under control within an hour. It is worth mentioning that the sale of thermocol utensils is banned in the market as it is highly flammable and non-biodegradable. The entire factory was reduced to ashes in the fire.