AC short circuit sparks Surat factory fire, firefighters recover diamonds worth lakhs

A fire at a diamond factory in Surat's Katargam area was quickly brought under control after a short circuit in an air conditioner sparked the blaze. Firefighters recovered precious gems worth more than Rs 50 lakh from the smoke-filled unit. The fire began in the Katargam-Gotalawadi region, a major hub for diamond cutting, polishing and manufacturing.

Upon receiving the emergency call at 7:45 am, fire officials from three stations deployed five tenders to tackle the blaze. Thick black smoke quickly engulfed the entire room, making it difficult for responders to navigate the premises. However, before entering, firefighters donned breathing apparatus to protect themselves. Workers had evacuated the area promptly, preventing any casualties.

Once the flames were extinguished, the factory owner and police helped the fire team recover the recovered diamonds. Despite the intense firefighting efforts lasting about 45 minutes, the partitions in the unit helped contain the damage, and firefighters were able to salvage several pieces from the work tables.