Huge Fire at Kheda Rice Mill Warehouse, Efforts On to Tame Raging Flames

A massive fire erupted at a rice mill warehouse in Kheda, Gujarat, sending towering flames and thick black smoke visible for several kilometers. Multiple fire engines rushed to the scene, but efforts to extinguish the blaze have been hampered by its intensity.The fire, which started around 2pm, rapidly consumed the warehouse, destroying stored rice and machinery, and raising concerns about economic losses and safety in the region.

Intense Firefighting Operations

Local authorities swiftly deployed eight fire engines to the scene, but the blaze’s ferocity has proven challenging to contain. Firefighters are battling the flames with water cannons and foam, yet the fire continues to rage, fueled by the warehouse’s stock of rice husk and flammable packing materials. The thick smoke has reduced visibility, complicating efforts and posing health risks to responders. Police have sealed off nearby roads to ensure safety and support the ongoing operation, which has drawn crowds of worried onlookers.

Factors Complicating Containment

Preliminary reports suggest a possible electrical fault as the fire’s cause, though investigations are underway to confirm this. The warehouse’s contents, including large quantities of dry rice bran, have intensified the blaze, while gusty winds have accelerated its spread. The scale of the fire has made it difficult to prevent damage to the entire facility, which serves as a vital supplier for local and regional markets. The economic impact on the rice mill and its workers is expected to be significant.

Community and Administrative Response

No casualties have been reported so far but the district administration is on high alert. The Kheda collector has promised aid for affected workers and is coordinating with fire services to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby structures. Residents have been urged to avoid the area and use masks to protect against smoke inhalation.