On Thursday morning near Kolkata’s Eco Park in New Town, an immense fire broke out that sent thick plumes of smoke billowing up. Firefighters quickly responded, fighting it for hours until authorities confirmed no casualties had been sustained despite disruption caused to local traffic and residents in New Town as a result of such situations.
Blaze Originates at Nearby Industrial Unit
On June 4, at approximately 9:30 am, an industrial shed near Eco Park on Action Area II road caught fire, sending flames and heavy smoke billowing out. Eyewitnesses reported seeing these visible flames. Eyewitnesses have identified it as either a garment manufacturing facility or storage warehouse due to fast spreading fire caused by stored fabrics or chemicals which rapidly ignited upon being ignited by any spark or ignition source. Local media have speculated this to be either garment production facility or storage warehouse nearby that quickly ignited upon being ignited from being stored fabrics or chemicals being stored near by Eco Park near Action Area II road having caught fire due to stored fabrics or chemicals stored nearby which quickly ignited upon ignition as quickly igniting into stores that caused storage warehouse firestorm.
In response to the distress calls, the fire services were quick to act and a total of 10 fire tenders were sent to the location where the firefighters used high-pressure water jets and ladders to put out the fire that spread rapidly.
Although the firefighters’ visibility was greatly limited due to the thick smoke, various teams vigorously attempted to control the fire and eventually, they managed to stop it from spreading any further by around noon though cooling operations were still going on in the area during the afternoon.
Rapid Response Avoides Loss of Life
As a result of the orderly evacuation which was done in a very short time, no injuries or deaths have been reported because of this fire alarm. Approximately 50 employees who were inside the building at the time of the fire alarm were able to get out safely; Eco Park visitors and residents were informed through loudspeaker announcements and the traffic police redirected the vehicles off a major stretch from Rajarhat to Salt Lake.
Eco Park management temporarily closed entry gates. Park authorities ensured visitors of their safety within its green zone while Kolkata Police cordoned off an area to prevent unapproved entry.
Traffic Chaos and Local Disruptions
The fire caused major traffic snarls on VIP Road and Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, delaying commuters’ trips to office or school for hours-long. Autorickshaws and taxi cabs had to reroute through alternative paths such as Biswa Bangla Sarani while school buses carefully navigated any detours required by detour signs placed along those routes.
Local shopkeepers near the scene temporarily closed down due to smoke inhalation risks, while authorities cut powerlines for safety purposes in nearby neighborhoods, disrupting power distribution. Restoration teams stood ready when firefighters cleared away from the scene.
Fire Officials Have Launched An Investigation; Safety Measures Are Being Examined
Officials have initiated an investigation into what sparked this fire; preliminary reports point towards short circuiting or gas cylinder explosion as possible causes; Forensic teams took samples as proof against possible sabotage, while factory owners are being interviewed about compliance issues regarding safety compliance measures.
Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials arrived to assess structural damage. Although Eco Park, which comprises 480 acres, managed to avoid direct impact from the blasts, authorities plan air quality tests in case smoke effects remain.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport operations did not experience disruption despite their closeness.
Community Response and Official Statements
Residents praised firefighters’ courage. Social media quickly filled with videos depicting this dramatic rescue operation, with several Kolkata Police Commissioners issuing statements commending coordinated efforts. The West Bengal Fire Minister also strongly advised factories to update fire safety protocols.
Mayor Firhad Hakim visited the site and announced compensation to affected workers. Relief camps were set up for those displaced families while non-governmental organisations distributed water bottles and masks to onlookers.
Lessons From This Incident
This fire brings attention to urban fire safety gaps near public spaces such as Eco Park in Kolkata. Eco Park attracts lakhs each month for boating, cycling and events at Eco Park; previous incidents like Maniktala in 2023 led to stricter norms but lapses continue today.
Experts advocate for regular audits, sprinkler systems and emergency drills as part of New Town’s growth challenges–balancing industry with recreation. The incident highlights these difficulties.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze by 2 pm. Investigations continue as Kolkata returns to normality without any threats posed to public safety.
