Kochi: Residents of Eloor were left gasping and coughing after remnants from the set of 'Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil' movie were demolished and set on fire at its location in Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT), Eloor.

The contractor initiated the burning of debris around 3 pm on Wednesday, resulting in heavy smoke despite the fire not spreading extensively. Nearby residents struggled with suffocation and coughing due to the smoke.

The burning involved various materials such as plastic, thermocol, fibre, sacks, cloth, and wood pieces at seven different locations. Notified by the locals, Eloor Fire Force rushed to the scene to put down the fire and smoke.

Efforts by a single unit proved insufficient to fully extinguish the flames across multiple spots. Fire force teams from Aluva, Thrikkakara, Paravur, Gandhinagar, and other locations were mobilised. The fire was finally brought under control by 8 pm.

Continuous efforts were required as smoke continued to rise from different areas, necessitating the use of water and foam and also with the help of an earth mover to manage the burning waste effectively.