Major fire erupts at leather warehouse on Canal South Road in Kolkata; 5 fire engines respond

A catastrophic fire erupted at a raw leather warehouse located on 17 Canal South Road in Kolkata just before Diwali, a time when the city is bustling with festivities. The incident occurred around 12:30 AM, when local residents noticed thick smoke billowing from the warehouse and a strong, acrid smell permeating the area. In a swift reaction, they alerted the police and fire department, initiating an urgent response to the alarming situation.

In total, five fire engines were dispatched initially to the scene as firefighters quickly commenced operations to extinguish the flames. However, the severity of the blaze prompted the need for two additional fire engines due to the rapid spread of the fire, exacerbated by flammable materials used for dyeing leather that were stored within the warehouse. Firefighters faced a daunting task as the fire rapidly consumed the building, creating a chaotic scene that required immediate and coordinated action.

Reports from local residents indicated that at least one individual was trapped inside the warehouse at the time of the fire. Community members acted heroically, successfully rescuing the trapped person before firefighters arrived. Eyewitnesses detailed the tense moments leading up to the emergency response, highlighting the quick actions taken to ensure safety. One eyewitness stated, “We were nearby at 11:30 PM, then went home. Suddenly, we heard about the fire. We called the fire department, and they arrived ten minutes later. It seems the fire started from the flammable materials. Everything was burned down.”

Firefighters worked diligently for nearly two hours to bring the blaze under control. By the time they succeeded, however, the warehouse was completely destroyed, with significant structural damage reported. Fire officials are currently investigating the cause of the fire, with initial assessments suggesting that the presence of various chemicals and materials inside the warehouse may have contributed to the rapid spread. This incident has sparked renewed safety concerns in the local community, especially as residents recall a similar fire that occurred in the same alley about a year ago, which persisted for three days.