Massive fire decimates warehouse in Erode, goods worth Rs 2.5 cr gutted

A massive blaze tore through a private cardboard warehouse near Gopichettipalayam in the early hours of Thursday, destroying goods valued at approximately Rs 2.5 crore and prompting a multi-unit firefighting response . Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported, as the facility was unoccupied when the fire erupted, police said.

According to fire rescue officials and local police, the incident occurred at a warehouse in the JS Nagar area . The blaze began while workers had gone out for a break, delaying its detection and allowing flames to grow unchecked in the initial minutes. Thick smoke spreading across the neighbourhood alerted residents, who immediately informed the fire department and local authorities.

Firefighting units from Gopichettipalayam and nearby Nambiyur were first on the scene. As the fire intensified due to the highly flammable nature of stored materials, additional reinforcement was summoned from Sathyamangalam and Bhavani fire stations. Firefighters battled the inferno for several hours before gaining control, with water tankers and equipment mobilised to support containment efforts.

Preliminary assessments indicate that nearly 1,500 tonnes of old cardboard , a JCB machine, and a tractor were completely destroyed in the fire. Authorities are continuing their detailed loss evaluation. Early investigations suggest that an electrical short circuit may have sparked the blaze, though final findings are pending as forensic teams comb the site for evidence.

The Gopichettipalayam police have registered a case and are conducting further inquiries into the exact cause. Local residents reported that thick smoke could be seen from afar, raising concerns about air quality and the potential for toxic emissions when large quantities of cardboard and other materials burn.

As investigations proceed, police and fire authorities are expected to issue an interim report outlining safety compliance at the warehouse, including whether fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, or other preventive measures were in place at the time of the fire.