Ullal: Fire at Kotepura fish feed processing unit; lakhs in damage reported

Mangalore Today News Network

Ullal, Oct 9, 2025: A major fire broke out at a fish feed processing warehouse in Kotepura, Ullal, causing losses worth several lakhs of rupees. The warehouse, belonging to Khader and operating under the name MMP Fish Food, was engulfed in flames during the evening. The fire, which started inside the warehouse, spread rapidly to the surrounding areas.

Locals rushed to the spot and tried to extinguish the fire by pouring water before the fire tenders from Mangaluru arrived after a long delay to bring the situation under control. Ullal police were present at the site.

Residents alleged that despite several fish food and oil mills—about 14 operating in the area with transactions worth crores—none of them have basic safety measures in place. There are no ambulances or fire-fighting units stationed nearby, forcing emergency vehicles to come all the way from Mangaluru.

Locals warned that even a slight lapse could have endangered thousands of nearby houses, especially with high-tension power lines running underground in the area. They demanded immediate enforcement of safety norms to prevent such incidents in the future.