Sun Jun 22 04:47:37 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Massive Chemical Factory Fire Engulfs Barasat, Bengal**
**Barasat, Bengal – June 22, 2025** – A devastating fire ripped through a chemical factory in Barasat’s Bamunmora Kadambagachi area on Saturday, June 21st, marking the second major blaze in the Kolkata area in a week. While no casualties were reported, the fire, fueled by highly inflammable chemicals, engulfed the entire factory and spread to surrounding godowns, forcing the evacuation of approximately 80 families.
The fire, which began around 6 pm, raged for hours, with multiple explosions reported. Thick black smoke billowed from the scene, visible for kilometers. Locals allege a delayed response from the fire department exacerbated the damage.
“We had to leave our homes,” a resident told media, “But fire engines were late to come.”
Over 20 fire engines were dispatched to the scene, struggling to contain the blaze due to the volatile chemicals. Traffic on Taki Road was brought to a standstill as emergency services converged on the site. Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were also deployed to manage the situation.
Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar visited the affected area, stating that the cause of the fire will be investigated. She added that “The fire is massive; it takes time to contain such a huge fire. I have spoken to the fire minister myself, and there are multiple fire tenders on the spot. We are trying to control the situation.”
A senior fire department official confirmed the fire was under control, but not completely extinguished.
The incident follows a series of recent fires in the region, including a major blaze at a century-old market in Khidirpur’s Orphangunge Market on June 16th, which destroyed over 700 shops, and a fatal hotel fire in Kolkata last month that claimed 14 lives.
These repeated incidents have raised serious concerns about fire safety measures and preparedness, particularly in Kolkata’s densely populated areas.
In response to criticism regarding delayed response times, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose indicated the department is considering implementing a “green corridor” system for fire engines in Kolkata and surrounding areas. This announcement comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party opposition criticized the fire department.
First Piper 