Patna: A major fire broke out in a plastic warehouse beneath a PSU bank branch on Jamal Road on Wednesday, forcing employees and customers to evacuate the building. The fire spread rapidly due to the presence of large quantities of plastic and other combustible materials stored in the warehouse. Almost all goods kept inside were destroyed. The owner has begun assessing the losses.Local residents alerted the fire department after noticing flames and dense smoke billowing from the warehouse. Fire tenders from Lodipur, Kankarbagh and Secretariat fire stations rushed to the spot. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly 45 minutes before bringing it under control.Fire officer Abhishek Kumar said firefighters found on arrival that the blaze had originated in the warehouse beneath the bank branch. “Smoke entered the bank premises, prompting staff and customers to evacuate. However, no injuries were reported. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, and an investigation has been initiated,” he said.According to preliminary information, the premises had been modified and were being used to store plastic items, plants and related materials. Water accumulated inside the warehouse during firefighting operations, while several glass panes were damaged.Furniture, including tables, chairs and sofas, as well as plants and other materials kept inside the warehouse, were destroyed in the blaze.Pappu, who runs a tea stall opposite the building, said staff of a nearby pot-and-plant shop first noticed the fire and alerted people in the area.He said local residents, along with nearby shopkeepers and hotel operators, tried to contain the flames before firefighters arrived. Residents lifted the warehouse shutter and poured water from the rear side in an attempt to control the fire, he added.
