Saddlery unit gutted in fire

KANPUR: A major fire broke out in a saddlery unit behind the Lal Imli compound in Civil Lines area on Thursday evening. Fifteen fire tenders took five hours to douse the flames. Flames emitted from the unit were visible from far off place.
Initially, firemen faced tiring time as the unit was declared in narrow bylanes and fire extinguishers were unable to reach the spot. The firemen climbed on the terrace of nearby houses to throw water on the flames.They also tried to break open the main door of the unit but in vain.
People living in the vicinity climbed atop their terrace to witness the incident. The civil police had tough time controlling the crowd that had gathered at the spot.
Shiv Darash Prasad, Fire Safety Officer, Colonelganj fire station said, "We managed to save the water pouch preparing plant, a office and a godown. The fire broke out due to some chemicals stocked on the factory premises. These chemicals are used in saddlery work. The flames engulfed the 30-metre-long workshop and destroyed it. Factory owners are yet to ascertain the loss."
The official said that 15 fire tenders were called in from Colonelganj, Latouche Road, Fazalganj and Meerpur Cantt to douse the flame.
He said that the fire that broke out around 11.45 am was completely doused by 5.30 pm.