CHENNAI: A fire broke out at a scrap storage warehouse in Tirumudivakkam near Kundrathur on Wednesday afternoon, triggering thick black smoke that engulfed the surrounding area.

According to sources, the warehouse stores old and discarded materials and employs more than 10 guest workers from northern states. The fire reportedly started in materials stored inside the warehouse and spread rapidly. Workers at the site initially attempted to extinguish the flames. However, strong winds caused the fire to spread quickly, making their efforts unsuccessful.

Following information from the workers, the fire and rescue services were alerted. Two fire tenders from Tambaram and Poonamallee rushed to the spot.

Firefighters battled the blaze for more than two hours, to the extent that water was exhausted from both tenders. Additional water tankers were brought in to continue firefighting efforts, and the blaze was eventually brought under control.

Dense black smoke from the fire covered the locality and reduced visibility. Officials said a major mishap was averted as no other warehouses or industrial units were located in proximity to the affected facility.

The Kundrathur police have launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire.