Ludhiana, Nov. 7 -- A major fire broke out at a wool waste godown near Tibba Road in the Mayapuri area of the city on Wednesday night. The blaze, suspected to have been caused by a spark from a falling firecracker, spread rapidly, sending flames and thick smoke high into the sky and triggering panic in the locality.

Eyewitnesses said, "A spark from a firecracker fell on the wool waste dumped in the open area, which quickly caught fire. The flames spread fast due to strong winds. Dense smoke engulfed the surroundings. Residents rushed out of their homes to safety and alerted the fire department."

Locals initially tried to douse the fire using water and sand but had to step back as the flames grew uncontrollably. Nine fire tenders were im...