Kolkata: A fire broke out at Apeejay House in Park Street around 11 am on Monday. Ten fire tenders were at the spot trying the douse the flames, which spread from the building's server room in the fourth floor of the eight-storeyed building, reports said.
Immediately security persons went towards the server room to check. By the time the fire was identified it had gone beyond control. Without wasting any time, the whole floor was vacated.
Fire brigade and police personnel were called in. Six fire tenders were sent to douse the fire within few minutes. As the intensity of the fire grew, four more tenders were pressed into action.
Sources informed that though sprinklers were activated at the right time, the fire could not be doused as its intensity was very high. Firefighters faced difficulties primarily as the flames occurred on the fourth floor. To deal with the situation a hydraulic ladder was used to reach the fire-affected area from outside. The fire-fighting management system of Apeejay House also helped the firefighters to douse the flames.
Though the police informed that extent of damage is yet to be ascertained, sources informed that the damage will cost worth lakhs of rupees. The office premises have almost been turned into ashes.
Around 1 pm, state Fire minister and Mayor Sovan Chatterjee visited the spot. Also Director General (DG) Fire, Jag Mohan, supervised the fire-fighting teams.
The cause is yet to be ascertained. However, no one was hurt.
After almost three hours, normal traffic movement resumed in Park Street.