Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) : A fire broke out in the Kerala Secretariat complex, the administrative centre of the State in Thiruvananthapuram here today around 7:55 am. Flames rose adjacent to Industries Minister P Rajeev's office on the third floor of North Sandwich Block. The fire was immediately doused and no files have been burnt in the mishap, sources said.
The security personnel first spotted the fire and instantly reported it to the fire brigade in the morning hours. Then around 8:15 am, the fire force unit of the Secretariat reached and doused the fire. Two units of fire brigade vehicles took part in the firefighting. The ceiling and curtain of the office were destroyed in the fire.
During the firefighting operation, water is used to douse the flames and some files got wet in this process, sources said. Initial information suggests that the cause of the fire was a short circuit from the AC unit. Power is currently out at the North Sandwich block. A case has been registered by the Cantonment Police.
District Collector Jeromick George had visited the place. Following the fire, tight security has been imposed at the secretariat. A police team headed by an Assistant Commissioner has been deployed for security duties at all the gates. After the fire, the media was denied entry inside the secretariat.
Entry will be granted after the ID card verification of employees. Firefighters are currently investigating the third floor of the North Sandwich block where the fire broke out. The authorities heaved a sigh of relief as the flames could be immediately brought under control.
