A major fire broke out at a scrap godown at Vazhakkala in Thrikkakkara municipality here on Sunday morning. The fire was spotted in the godown around 8.30 am. Residents in the nearby areas saw thick, black plume of smoke rising from the godown.

Thrikkakara municipality ward member Shaji Vazhakkala said that since the area was densely inhabited, residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure. "The godown is owned by a person named Nisar," he said. "Initially, the workers attempted to control the fire, but it spread rapidly. We could hear loud explosive noises," he added.

Seven units were sent to the site from various nearby fire stations. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Fire has been raging for nearly four hours. No casualty has been reported so far. More units will be sent to douse the fire.