What caused massive fire at Pithampur Pipe factory? know the reason

A massive fire broke out at the Signet Pipe Company in Pithampur Industrial Area of Dhar district around 2:30 am on Friday. The flames quickly spread across the factory, sending thick black smoke into the air. The smoke was visible from as far as 5 kilometers away. The factory is located in Sector 3 and manufactures plastic pipes. The plastic material stored inside is believed to have fueled the fire, making it harder to control.

Twelve fire engines were rushed to the spot. Firefighters from Pithampur, Indore, Dhar, Dharampuri, and nearby areas joined the operation. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police from three police stations also reached the site. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Pramod Kumar Gurjar confirmed that the fire started in the early hours of the day, but the exact cause is still unknown.

To stop the fire from spreading, sand and soil were used in large quantities. JCB machines were deployed to build temporary barriers around the factory. Dumpers filled with sand arrived continuously. Firefighters poured sand directly on the flames, especially in areas with plastic materials, where water and foam had little effect. A crane and a JCB machine standing inside the factory were completely destroyed in the blaze.

Indore Municipal Commissioner Shivam Verma reached the site around dawn. He ordered 1,000 liters of foam to be brought from Indore to assist in firefighting. Fire brigades from the Indore airport were also called in. Officials on the ground included the SDM, tehsildar, chief municipal officer, and police personnel who coordinated the emergency response.

Local villagers played an active role. Bablu Raghuvanshi, a resident near the factory, said that the fire was first noticed around 2:30 am. On seeing the flames, villagers called the police and fire department. Some joined in carrying sand and helping firefighters control the blaze.

By 8:15 am, the fire had been brought under control in one part of the factory. Efforts continued in the other sections. Ashwin Chaudhary, the SDRF Platoon Commander, confirmed the absence of any trapped individuals. So far, there are no reports of injuries or loss of life.

This is not the first time the factory has caught fire. On June 11 last year, a fire broke out at the same location. That fire was so intense that smoke was visible from 10 kilometers away. Pithampur, Indore, Dhar, and Badnawar deployed over 20 fire engines to contain the blaze. Then too, sand and soil were used to create barriers, and the boundary wall of the factory had to be broken to let fire engines reach the inner sections.

The repeated fire incidents raise serious questions about the safety measures inside the factory. Investigations are now underway to find the cause of the latest fire and assess whether the company followed proper fire safety protocols.

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