By The Hindu Bureau
Copyright thehindu
Tension prevailed on Big Bazaar Street in Coimbatore on Sunday (September 28, 2025) after a warehouse on the terrace of a commercial complex caught fire, posing potential risk to adjacent buildings in the busiest market area in the city.
Swift action by the Fire and Rescue Services, which responded with over 60 personnel and water tenders from multiple stations, averted a tragedy.
Fire and Rescue Services officials said that the fire broke out at a warehouse made of tin sheets on the terrace of a three-storeyed complex. Stocks of a shop, namely Simco Nighty House, were stacked inside the warehouse. The warehouse caught fire around noon, reportedly due to short circuit.
Two water tenders each from Coimbatore south and north (Kavundampalayam) fire stations, one each from Peelamedu, Ganapathy, Kovaipudur and Thondamuthur rushed to the spot after receiving an alert. A total of 66 personnel headed by District Fire Officer P. Pulukandi engaged in firefighting, until the fire was completely extinguished by 2.30 p.m. An aerial ladder platform was used to access the three-storeyed building.
According to the Fire and Rescue Services, the three-storeyed building houses multiple shops, including wholesale dealer Simco Nighty House. Stocks such as ready to wear dresses and inner-wears of the dealer were stocked in the warehouse. Two staff of the shop complained of suffocation after inhaling the smoke as soon as the fire broke out. They and other persons in the building managed to come out safely.
Mr. Pulukandi said no person suffered burns or other health complications.
As the warehouse was remaining closed, it was largely an incomplete burn due to insufficient oxygen. It was the reason for thick-dark smoke billowing from the warehouse,” said G. Ramachandran, Additional District Fire Officer.
The fire was put out before spreading to the third floor or adjacent buildings. A few other shops in adjacent buildings were closed as precaution. The road was closed during firefighting.
