Bilaspur — Panic erupted on Monday after a massive fire broke out at a paint manufacturing factory in the Tifra industrial area on the outskirts of the city. The factory, which produces paint, tiles, and putty, was engulfed in flames within minutes, sending thick black smoke billowing across the area.
According to local residents, the fire spread rapidly due to the highly flammable materials stored inside the factory. The intensity of the blaze caused fear among nearby factory operators and residents, who worried that the fire could spread to surrounding industrial units.
Fire brigade teams were alerted promptly and rushed to the scene. Firefighters battled the flames for several hours and eventually brought the fire under control after intense efforts. By the time the blaze was extinguished, a large portion of the factory and its stored materials had been completely destroyed.
Officials said the factory had a significant stock of paint, putty, and tiles, all of which were gutted in the fire. Although no casualties have been reported, the incident resulted in heavy financial losses estimated to be worth millions of rupees. The exact cause of the fire and the total extent of the damage are still under investigation.
District administration officials also arrived at the site to assess the situation and begin a formal inquiry. Fire department authorities urged all factory owners in the industrial area to ensure that adequate fire safety equipment is installed and maintained to prevent such incidents and minimize damage during emergencies.
The fire caused chaos in nearby areas, including Sirgitti, for several hours, as crowds gathered at the scene and traffic movement was affected.