Fire destroys liquor unit

A major fire broke out at the factory of Mohan Breweries & Distilleries Limited in Valasaravakkam, late on Thursday.

The fire that was started by an electrical short-circuit in one of the beer making unit at 7.30 pm, spread to other units of the factory.

The Fire and Rescue Department was alerted at 8.25 pm, after which fire tenders from stations in the neighbourhood rushed to the factory. The fire tender from Ashok Nagar was the first to reach the spot and began the dousing operations. Fire engines from Villivakkam, Kilpauk, Teynampet, Ambattur, Guindy, Egmore and Poonamallee joined the operation and water lorries from Metro Water were roped in to douse the fire.

The fire brigade led by 3 DFOs, P Saravanakumar (South Chennai), Velayutham Nair (North Chennai) and Meenakshi Vijayakumar (Ambattur), 2 ADFOs Saravanan and Suresh Anand, and 8 station officers fought the flames for over 3 hours. An official said as many as 3 water tenders, 1 foam tender, 6 water lorries of the fire brigade and 18 Metro Water lorries were pressed into service. He added that it would take a few more hours to cool down the charred area.

Soon after the fire began, it was noticed by the security personnel who sounded the fire alarm. This ensured that employees in the factory could exit safely.

Sources said since the fire occurred after production hours, there was a less chance of casualties.

Fire sources said several crores worth raw materials and processed products went up in the flames.