A massive fire broke out late on Friday night, September 5, at a textile dyeing factory in the Kamatghar area of Bhiwandi, located in Maharashtra’s Thane district. The incident, which occurred around 10 pm, triggered a major firefighting operation as multiple fire tenders rushed to the scene to bring the blaze under control.

According to reports from ANI and PTI, the fire erupted inside a textile dyeing unit identified as Balaji Polyester Ltd., a factory widely known for its operations in the region. Flames quickly spread across the premises, fuelled by highly flammable cloth material stored within the unit.

Fortunately, officials confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported as there were no workers present at the time of the fire.

Firefighting Operations Continue Overnight

Fire officials said the blaze was so intense that the flames were visible from a distance, creating panic among residents and business owners in nearby areas. Two fire engines initially rushed to the site, later joined by additional firefighting teams, to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjoining structures in this densely packed industrial hub.

Authorities revealed that the flammable textile materials inside the unit aggravated the fire, making firefighting operations particularly challenging. Despite the intensity of the blaze, firefighters worked relentlessly overnight to bring the situation under control.

Officials are still investigating the exact cause of the fire, although early reports suggest that it could be linked to electrical or operational hazards.

Incident Coincides with Anant Chaturdashi Celebrations

The fire incident occurred on the eve of Anant Chaturdashi, the final day of the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival. On this day, thousands of devotees across Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai and Thane, take to the streets to participate in Ganpati Visarjan, bidding farewell to Lord Ganesha by immersing idols in rivers, lakes, artificial ponds, or the sea.

In Mumbai, the celebrations are most prominent at Lalbaugcha Raja, one of the city’s most iconic Ganpati pandals, which draws millions of devotees, including celebrities and public figures. Despite the fire incident in Bhiwandi, the spirit of Ganeshotsav remained high, with preparations continuing across the state.

#WATCH | Maharashtra | Huge fire broke out at a dyeing factory in Bhiwandi. Fire tenders present on the spot and efforts to douse the fire are underway. Further details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/28LDiA7ZCQ— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2025

Recent Fire Incidents Across Maharashtra

This blaze in Bhiwandi follows closely on the heels of another fire incident in Mumbai’s Malad area just two days earlier. A fire broke out at a firecracker shop in Somwaari Bazar, Malad West, reportedly due to a short circuit.

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Hemant Sawant, the shop owner held a valid license, and although the fire spread quickly, fire brigades managed to bring the situation under control without any loss of life or injuries.

Maharashtra has witnessed several such incidents in recent months. Just weeks ago, a devastating fire at a textile mill in Solapur claimed eight lives and took hours of continuous firefighting efforts to douse. These recurring tragedies underline the urgent need for fire safety reforms in the state’s industrial and commercial hubs.

Bhiwandi’s Industrial Fire Safety Concerns

Bhiwandi is one of India’s largest textile processing and warehousing hubs, home to hundreds of dyeing units and godowns. While the city’s industrial belt has contributed significantly to Maharashtra’s economy, it has also been the site of frequent fire accidents.

The close clustering of factories, combined with the storage of highly inflammable raw materials like cloth, dyes, and chemicals, poses significant risks. Fire officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of stricter fire safety compliance, including:

• Regular electrical inspections to prevent short circuits.

• Proper storage and handling of flammable materials.

• Installation of modern fire detection and suppression systems.

• Emergency preparedness drills to ensure workers know how to respond swiftly.

  VIDEO | Maharashtra: Fire broke out at a textile dyeing unit in Bhiwandi's Kamatghar Area. Fire tenders carried out firefighting operations. More details awaited.
  
  (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/jQMxkN7ofj— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 5, 2025

Final Thoughts: A Call for Stronger Industrial Safety Measures

The Bhiwandi dyeing factory fire serves as yet another reminder of the fragile safety ecosystem in Maharashtra’s industrial hubs. While this particular incident thankfully resulted in no casualties, the risks remain high, and the potential for devastating outcomes cannot be ignored.

Industrialists, workers, and government authorities must take collective responsibility to enforce fire safety protocols and ensure that such tragedies do not repeat. Prioritizing worker safety and community well-being should stand alongside industrial progress.

The time has come for industries to move beyond mere compliance and adopt a proactive fire safety culture—one that saves lives, safeguards livelihoods, and strengthens trust within the community.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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