Kozhikode: A massive fire that destroyed a coconut oil mill in Kerala's Kozhikode district has now been brought under control after firefighters battled the blaze through the night. While there were no casualties, the factory was completely gutted and losses running into lakhs of rupees are being estimated.

The fire broke out at Renuka Oil Mill on O.M. Road in Beypore on Sunday night. Firefighters from Kozhikode and neighbouring Malappuram district were deployed, with around 10 fire force units taking part in the operation. Reports said the firefighting continued until early Monday before the situation was finally brought under control.

What happened at the oil mill?

According to reports, the fire started in the section where copra used for coconut oil production was stored. Workers had already left after the day's operations, preventing what could have been a far more serious incident.

Some workers reportedly believe the fire may have spread from a wood-fired dryer used in the mill. However, officials have not confirmed the exact cause, and the reason behind the fire remains unclear.

As the flames intensified, local residents alerted the Fire and Rescue Services. Initial attempts to contain the blaze proved difficult as large quantities of coconut oil, copra, split coconuts and firewood inside the premises fuelled the fire.

The flames later spread to a large storage tank containing coconut oil. Heated oil flowed across the floor while thick black smoke covered the surrounding area, making firefighting even more challenging. Firefighters used both water and foam to prevent the blaze from spreading further.

Why was the operation difficult?

Reports indicate that the mill had stocked more coconut oil than usual because of increased Onam-season orders. The large quantity of stored oil, along with sacks of copra, processed coconuts and firewood, allowed the fire to spread rapidly.

Machinery, electronic equipment and vehicles parked inside the premises were destroyed. Power supply in the area was also disrupted during the operation, after which firefighters continued their work using generator-powered lighting.

Authorities focused on preventing the fire from reaching nearby residential areas and neighbouring buildings. That effort proved successful, and reports said the blaze did not spread beyond the mill premises.

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Officials have not yet determined the exact cause of the fire, and further investigation is expected.