Malappuram (Kerala) | A footwear factory was gutted in a major fire at Aravankara here on Friday, fire and rescue service officials said.

According to officials at the Malappuram Fire and Rescue Service station, a distress call was received around 11.50 am following which fire force personnel rushed to the spot.

They said the blaze was severe, with about 80 per cent of the manufacturing unit, raw material storage area and godown being destroyed in the fire.

More than 10 fire tenders from Malappuram, Thirur, Ponnani, Perinthalmanna, Manjeri and Meenchantha stations were pressed into service to douse the flames.

Considering the intensity of the fire, precautionary measures were taken to prevent it from spreading to nearby houses.

By around 3 pm, nearly 90 per cent of the fire had been brought under control.

Fire force personnel suspect that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze, though the exact cause will be confirmed only after a detailed examination by the electrical inspectorate and police, they added.