A major fire broke out at a rubber factory located in the Bakrashal area of Sribhumi District, Assam, on Monday, causing extensive damage and substantial financial losses. The blaze, which ignited during the critical rubber treatment process, particularly the smoking procedure, has resulted in an estimated loss of up to Rs 10 lakh. The rapid spread of the fire destroyed the factory building, its machinery, and the stock of processed rubber.

Initial reports suggest that the fire began in the rubber smoking section, where rubber sheets are subjected to high heat for preservation and quality treatment. It is believed that an error or malfunction during this procedure may have triggered the devastating blaze. The intense heat caused the flames to spread quickly, engulfing the entire facility and its contents. Despite the swift response from local fire departments, which acted immediately to contain the fire, the damage was extensive, and the factory was completely reduced to rubble.

Firefighting teams from the Sribhumi District arrived on the scene within minutes of the incident being reported. Their quick actions helped prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings and structures. However, despite their best efforts, the extreme heat and rapid transmission of the flames led to the destruction of the factory. Valuable stockpiles of rubber, used for products such as automotive parts, footwear, and other industrial applications, were all consumed by the fire, compounding the financial toll.

Local authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the fire. Investigators are focusing on the rubber treatment process to identify whether any safety protocols were breached, or equipment malfunctioned. Preliminary reports suggest that the factory might not have fully complied with established safety measures, particularly those related to fire prevention during the rubber treatment phase. Fire safety experts are expected to review the facility’s adherence to regulations and assess whether any lapses in safety protocols contributed to the outbreak of the fire.

While the factory’s loss is substantial, authorities have praised the quick and coordinated efforts of the fire services, which managed to prevent a much worse disaster. "Thanks to the rapid response of the fire department, the fire did not spread beyond the factory premises. We are grateful for their swift action, which prevented the situation from escalating further," said a local official.

The rubber factory, which has been a key player in the region's industrial sector, will face significant challenges as it looks to rebuild and recover from the catastrophic loss. The financial loss of Rs 10 lakh is expected to have a severe impact on its operations, particularly given the high value of the factory’s stock and equipment. Workers who were on site at the time of the fire managed to escape unharmed, but the incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of industrial facilities in the area.

As investigations continue, authorities are working to ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future. The fire has served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers involved in industrial processes, especially when safety protocols are not strictly adhered to.