A massive fire broke out at a spice factory owned by the popular Kerala-based Eastern Group of Companies on Monday in Kodangipatti in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district. The fire, reportedly sparked by a malfunctioning air-conditioning unit, began around 7.30 am.

While no injuries have been reported, the blaze gradually engulfed more areas of the factory building and fire tenders struggled to contain it. In addition to the local personnel in Theni, Fire and Rescue Services personnel from Madurai and Dindigul were rushed to the spot. As of this writing, the fire at the Kodangipatti factory is still raging.

As the fumes rose, the air became pungent with the smell of chilli powder from the manufacturing unit. People within a 300 metre radius of the factory were asked to move out on account of the smell. Fire tenders were unable to rush into the factory premises on account of the burning chilli smell.

Speaking to TNM, Superintendent of Police V Baskaran, who is overseeing the fire-fighting efforts, said that there were no injuries. “No workers were injured in the fire. The area has been cordoned off due to the strong smell of chilli powder in the air. The fire began at 7.30 am. They (factory workers) said that the fire was sparked by a malfunctioning air-conditioning unit. However, we are investigating the cause.”

The pungent smell was hindering the efforts to contain the fire, the officer added.

Theni district collector Pallavi also inspected the area.

Eastern’s factory unit in Kodangipatti in Theni is among its largest, involved in packaging and exporting curry powders and spices.

“Given the enormity of the fire, it would be a difficult enough task to ensure that the two nearby godowns are not affected. This unit will face damages. We hope that we can put the fire out by afternoon,” said the district police chief.