Flammable rubber used beneath aluminium sheets and chemicals stored inside the buildings fuelled a fire at Drug International Ltd's Unit-2 factory on Squib Road in Cherag Ali, Tongi, Gazipur, damaging two buildings, said Fire Service and Civil Defence Director General Brigadier General Sultanul Afrain Zunaid today (14 October).
The director general disclosed the details at a briefing after the blaze was brought under control around 1:35pm. He said the exact cause of the fire had yet to be determined.
According to preliminary findings cited by the officer, the fire originated on the fourth floor of one of the factory's four-storey buildings before spreading to the neighbouring structure through the connecting staircase.
The first building contained various chemicals, while the rubber used beneath aluminium sheets was highly flammable. These materials caused the fire to intensify rapidly.
Given the risk of the blaze spreading, authorities prioritised protecting nearby structures from the outset.
The prime minister had also directed the authorities to prevent the fire from spreading and minimise damage as far as possible.
Coordinated efforts by the Fire Service and other agencies helped contain the blaze.
A firefighting unit arrived at the scene shortly after the fire broke out, with additional units deployed as the operation progressed.
A total of 21 firefighting units are engaged in extinguishing the remaining flames and carrying out damping operations. The Army's Chemical Danger Unit, along with a medical team and robots from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), are also assisting.
Factory workers and volunteers have joined the rescue and firefighting efforts.
Although the fire has been brought under control, hot spots and embers may remain inside the buildings, requiring more time to extinguish completely. Fire Service operations will therefore continue.
The building where the fire originated sustained severe damage on its fourth and second floors, while the other floors were also significantly affected. The adjacent building was also damaged, according to the director general.
The factory produced various medicines, including powders and injections. Chemicals stored inside the buildings caused small explosions and sporadic flames during firefighting operations.
Some fire service personnel experienced breathing difficulties after detecting a chlorine-like smell. They continued working inside the buildings using appropriate respiratory equipment.
The director general confirmed that one Fire Service worker had suffered breathing difficulties and had received medical attention.
"No other casualties have been reported so far. However, the final casualty figures can be confirmed only after rescue and search operations are completed," he said.
The fire broke out earlier today and was brought under control after nearly four hours of firefighting efforts.