Kannur: A major fire destroyed a plywood manufacturing facility in the Keriad area of Chirakkal in Kerala’s Kannur district on Thursday morning, officials confirmed. The blaze broke out at the Century Plywood manufacturing unit, leading to extensive damage to infrastructure, machinery, and stored materials. No injuries were reported, as the factory was not operational at the time of the incident.

Incident Reported Early Morning

According to police and fire department officials, the fire was noticed during the early hours of the day at the manufacturing premises located in Keriad, under the Chirakkal area. Thick smoke and flames were seen engulfing the building by the time emergency services were alerted, prompting an immediate response from local authorities.

Firefighting Efforts and Emergency Response

A total of seven units from the Fire and Rescue Services were deployed from various locations, including Kannur, Taliparamba, and Thalassery. Firefighters worked for several hours to bring the blaze under control, using multiple fire tenders and water sources to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.

Pavithran P V, Station Officer of the Kannur Fire Force Department, said the operation required sustained effort due to the intensity of the flames and the combustible nature of the materials stored inside the unit.

Extent of Damage Inside the Facility

Preliminary assessments indicate that the fire caused complete destruction of raw materials, heavy machinery, and the factory building itself. Officials said the loss is expected to be substantial, though an exact estimate will be determined after a detailed inspection. The affected unit, operated by Century Plywood, primarily handled plywood production and storage.

No Workers Present During the Fire

Authorities confirmed that no employees were inside the factory at the time the fire broke out. The unit was reportedly closed when the incident occurred, which helped avoid casualties. Fire officials noted that safety protocols and the absence of workers significantly reduced the risk of injuries.

Possible Cause Under Investigation

While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be officially determined, early observations suggest it may have originated from accumulated waste materials within the premises. Fire department personnel said a thorough investigation will be carried out to confirm the cause and assess whether safety guidelines were adequately followed.

Pattern of Recent Industrial Fires in Kannur

The incident adds to a series of fire-related accidents reported in the Kannur district over the past year. In December last year, a large fire broke out at a plastic manufacturing unit in Thalassery, causing heavy damage. Earlier, in October, a fire at the KV Complex in Taliparamba destroyed more than 50 shops, resulting in significant property losses.

Authorities Stress Safety Measures

Following the latest incident, officials have reiterated the importance of proper waste management and regular safety inspections at industrial facilities. Fire and rescue authorities are expected to issue advisories to similar units in the region to reduce the risk of future incidents.

Investigations into the Kannur plywood factory fire are ongoing, and further details are expected once official reports are completed.