Kolkata Amherst Street Printing Press Fire: A significant fire broke out inside a two-storey building on Amherst Street in central Kolkata, engulfing a printing press and damaging adjacent shops before being brought under control by fire services. The incident, though fortunately without injuries, has revived critical questions regarding fire hazards in the city’s older commercial areas, which remain densely packed with flammable materials and limited evacuation routes.
Kolkata Amherst Street Printing Press Fire: How the Fire Started
According to initial fire department reporting, the blaze began around 8 a.m. inside the printing press unit, where large quantities of paper stock, ink barrels, chemicals and empty oil containers were stored. Such materials rapidly accelerated the flames.
The smoke column rising above the historic neighbourhood was visible from a distance, causing panic among shopkeepers and residents.
Firefighters deployed multiple fire-engines and used advanced breathing equipment due to dense smoke conditions. Adjacent buildings were evacuated as a precaution.
Authorities suspect that a short circuit or improper storage of flammable supplies may have triggered the incident — but the official forensic report is pending.
🏚️ A Vulnerable Commercial Zone
Amherst Street lies in a high-density mixed-use area — shops, small industrial units and residential buildings all stand wall-to-wall. Many structures here are decades old and not fully compliant with updated fire-safety mandates.
Key vulnerabilities in the locality include:
| Risk Factor | On-Ground Reality |
|---|---|
| Narrow lanes | Fire-engine entry becomes difficult |
| Heavy storage of flammables | Printing & warehouse units nearby |
| Aged wiring | Susceptible to shorts and sparks |
| Lack of firefighting infrastructure | Very few accessible hydrants |
| Shared structures | Fire spreads faster through adjoining walls |
Local business owners say they often alert civic authorities about electrical overloading and congested passages, but inspections happen rarely.
💬 Voices from the Neighbourhood
Residents recounted moments of fear as smoke seeped into nearby homes:
“The smoke was so strong that we couldn’t breathe. We rushed out with children, afraid the fire would reach us.”
— Resident of an adjoining building
Shop owners worry about economic loss:
“We have just entered the festive business season — the damage will hit us hard.”
— Small electronics store owner on Amherst Street
🚒 Fire Response Praised — But Systemic Issues Persist
Despite operational challenges, the West Bengal Fire & Emergency Services managed to contain the blaze in time.
Government fire-safety guidance:
https://fireandemergencywb.gov.in/home
However, the incident underscores the need for:
✅ Mandatory fire-drills for commercial units
✅ Regular electrical safety checks
✅ Restriction on bulk storage of flammable materials
✅ Clear fire-vehicle access routes
✅ Fire-safety certification and renewal audits for old structures
✅ Awareness campaigns for workers in high-risk businesses
📌 Government Standards & Relevant Codes
For commercial premises such as printing presses:
• National Building Code of India – Fire & Life Safety Norms
https://bis.gov.in/?page_id=475
• Guidelines for Hazardous Materials Storage
https://dgef.gov.in/fire_safety_guidelines.pdf
Experts say many small units are unaware of these requirements — worsening vulnerability.
🏗️ Urban Planning Lessons
Urban safety planners argue the blaze is part of a repeated pattern:
- Parts of central and north Kolkata have heritage-era infrastructure
- Commercial expansion often happens without structural upgrading
- Enforcement remains reactive rather than preventive
A recent study on fire preparedness in Indian cities emphasizes that revival and retrofitting projects must prioritize life safety.
Urban safety resources:
https://nidm.gov.in/FireSafety
🛍️ Impact on Local Economy
Kolkata’s printing industry has deep roots in Amherst Street and its surrounding hubs. Losses from machinery damage, order delays and shop closures are expected to ripple across the business ecosystem.
Insurance coverage remains unclear as many micro-enterprises reportedly operate without formal fire insurance — an issue flagged repeatedly by business associations.
✅ The Road Ahead
Authorities are now focused on:
- Inspecting building’s structural condition
- Checking fire-certificate validity
- Assessing compliance of nearby units
- Holding owners accountable if negligence is proven
- Planning fire-hazard mapping for old commercial clusters
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation emphasised that routine safety audits will be increased in areas storing high volumes of combustible goods.
Conclusion
The Amherst Street printing press fire — though controlled swiftly — sends a stark reminder:
A single spark in a congested old-city commercial zone can lead to widespread disaster.
Improvement must begin now through collaborative action:
Government ✅
Businesses ✅
Local citizens ✅
Urban planners ✅
Kolkata’s historical market hubs are economically vital — protecting them means prioritizing fire safety every day.
✅ External Resources (Government & Informational)
• West Bengal Fire & Emergency Services
https://fireandemergencywb.gov.in/home
• National Building Code – BIS
https://bis.gov.in/?page_id=475
• India Disaster Management (Fire Safety)
https://nidm.gov.in/FireSafety
• Fire-safe storage guidelines
https://dgef.gov.in/fire_safety_guidelines.pdf
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