Mandya: A major fire broke out at a garment factory on the Maddur-Malavalli Road in Maddur town early Thursday, destroying garments and other materials worth lakhs of rupees. No casualties were reported.The factory, which recently shifted operations from Somanahalli to Maddur, was unoccupied when the blaze erupted. The incident came to light around 7.30am when the manager noticed smoke after opening the windows and immediately alerted the fire and emergency services department.Workers and residents initially tried to contain the fire before firefighters arrived. A 35-member team led by district fire officer BM Raghavendra launched a large-scale firefighting operation. Four fire tenders from Maddur and Malavalli were pressed into service.Fire personnel battled the blaze for more than five hours and brought it under control by 1pm. The operation was particularly challenging as a petrol bunk was located adjacent to the factory, prompting firefighters to take special precautions to prevent the flames from spreading.The fire caused extensive damage to garments and other materials stored inside the factory. However, prompt action by firefighters helped avert a larger disaster.Speaking to TOI, Raghavendra said the exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. He confirmed that no casualties were reported in the incident. Maddur Rural police have registered a case, and further investigation is under way.
