Fire breaks out at tea processing factory in Ilam
A fire engine from Ilam Municipality was deployed to control the blaze.
KATHMANDU: A massive fire broke out at Jasbire Tea Processing Industry in Jasbire, Ilam, on Tuesday night, completely destroying the factory.
The fire started around 9:30 PM, and locals noticed the blaze engulfing the facility.
The fire consumed tea processing machines, stored tea leaves, a generator, and the entire two-story structure made of corrugated metal sheets.
As of 11:30 PM, efforts to bring the fire under control were still ongoing.
Locals and police have been working to extinguish the fire.
A fire truck from Ilam Municipality was deployed, but by the time it arrived, the factory had already suffered complete destruction, said local resident Satendra Jabegu.
The fire is suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit.
The factory was owned by Sharad Subba, renowned as Nepal’s “Best Tea Maker,” who had been operating it for nearly a decade.
The factory produced over 35 varieties of premium tea, including White Tea, Oolong, Green Tea, and Golden Tea, which were exported to international markets.
Subba was declared the “Best Tea Maker” at the Nepal Tea Challenge 2024 held in Kathmandu.
His factory produced around 40,000 kilograms of high-quality tea annually.
