Tue Mar 04 18:00:35 UTC 2025: ## Vellore Incense Factory Destroyed by Fire
**Vellore, March 5, 2025** – A fire broke out early Tuesday morning at an incense stick manufacturing unit in Rasalapakkam village near Katpadi, Vellore, resulting in the complete destruction of the facility. The owner, 54-year-old V. Mahalingam, escaped unharmed.
The fire, which is believed to have started around 5 am due to a possible electrical short circuit, quickly engulfed the 1,200 sq.ft. unit despite efforts by Mr. Mahalingam and neighbours to extinguish it. A team of ten firefighters from Katpadi arrived after the fire had already spread throughout the building. It took them approximately two hours to bring the blaze under control.
The fire destroyed an estimated Rs 10 lakh worth of incense sticks, stock, and machinery. Local residents reported significant eye irritation, particularly among children and the elderly, due to the thick smoke produced by the burning incense.
Latheri Town police have registered a case and are investigating the cause of the fire. While an electrical short circuit is suspected, a full probe is underway.
First Piper 