Major fire at Bathinda liquor factory triggers emergency response, no casualties reported

A major fire broke out at a liquor manufacturing unit near Machana village in Punjab’s Bathinda district on Friday morning, triggering concern among nearby residents as thick black smoke spread across surrounding areas.

The blaze was reported at the BCL liquor factory located along the Bathinda-Bikaner National Highway. According to preliminary information, the fire erupted in a storage facility containing ethanol, a highly flammable substance used in industrial and alcohol production.

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Factory authorities immediately initiated emergency measures and evacuated workers from the premises as a precaution. The fire department was informed soon after the incident, following which firefighting teams rushed to the spot and launched an operation to contain the flames.

Witnesses said dense plumes of black smoke could be seen rising from the factory complex and drifting towards nearby villages, raising concerns about air quality in the region. Several residents reported discomfort and breathing difficulties, particularly children, elderly persons and individuals suffering from respiratory ailments such as asthma.

As the intensity of the fire increased, additional firefighting resources were mobilised from nearby stations. Fire tenders from adjoining areas, including specialised units, were called in to strengthen efforts to bring the situation under control.

Fireman Harpal Singh, who was part of the response operation, said firefighters were making continuous efforts to contain the blaze. He noted that a substantial quantity of stored ethanol had caught fire, making the operation more challenging and necessitating reinforcement from other fire stations.

District administration officials also reached the site to monitor the situation and coordinate emergency response measures. Authorities said the primary focus remained on preventing the fire from spreading further and ensuring the safety of workers and nearby residents.

Local villagers urged the administration to assess air quality in the affected areas and make necessary health-related arrangements for residents exposed to the smoke. Officials assured them that the situation was being closely monitored and that appropriate steps would be taken based on conditions on the ground.

The exact cause of the fire has not yet been established. Officials said a detailed investigation would be conducted once the situation was fully stabilised. As of Friday afternoon, no casualties or injuries had been reported in connection with the incident.

Firefighting operations were continuing at the time of filing this report, with emergency teams working to completely extinguish the blaze and secure the affected section of the factory.