A severe fire broke out on the evening of Tuesday, 17 February 2026, at the well‑known Jayalakshmi Silks textile showroom in Palayam, Kozhikode, Kerala, prompting large‑scale evacuation and emergency response efforts. The blaze, which began around 6 pm, quickly spread through the three‑storey building’s upper levels, leading to significant property damage but no confirmed deaths, though a small number of staff were treated for smoke inhalation, according to officials.
Fire and Rescue Services units from multiple stations, supported by a powerful fire tender from Calicut International Airport, were deployed to battle the flames, which were brought mostly under control after several hours. This is the second major fire incident at the same location in three years, raising renewed concerns about fire safety compliance in older commercial hubs. Investigations into the cause are ongoing.
Firefighters Battle Kozhikode Commercial Blaze
The fire at Jayalakshmi Silks began on the rear side of the third floor of the textile showroom on Annie Hall Road in Palayam, a bustling commercial area adjacent to Kozhikode’s railway station. Thick black smoke was seen billowing across the skyline, drawing alarm and crowds as authorities cordoned off surrounding streets to clear traffic and aid emergency vehicles.
Fire and Rescue Services personnel from the Meenchanda, Beach and Vellimadukunnu fire stations were among the first responders, with additional units arriving as the blaze intensified. A specialised fire tender dispatched from Calicut International Airport significantly reinforced firefighting efforts later in the evening.
Fire officials said the exterior flames were largely contained by around 7:30 pm, though the interior of the building continued to burn well into the night due to thick textile stock and complex layout that made direct access difficult. Internal panels collapsed and glass panes exploded as temperatures soared, further complicating containment efforts. A senior Fire and Rescue official noted that thick smoke and limited ventilation made it unsafe for crews to immediately enter the upper floors.
While there are no confirmed fatalities, at least two employees were taken to hospital for treatment after experiencing discomfort from smoke inhalation, according to fire personnel. Eyewitnesses said the prompt evacuation of staff and customers prevented what could have been a much worse tragedy. Police and traffic officials had shut down major roads nearby for several hours as operations continued.
Second Fire Raises Safety Concerns
This is not the first time the Jayalakshmi Silks building has been ravaged by fire. On 1 April 2023, a major blaze broke out in the early morning hours at the same premises, gutting parts of the textile shop and destroying several vehicles parked on the ground floor.
That fire, which fire officials at the time attributed to a suspected electrical short circuit or faulty equipment, also caused significant monetary losses estimated to be in the crores of rupees though no casualties were reported then either.
The recurrence of a major fire at the same establishment within three years has reignited concerns about fire safety standards, particularly in older commercial complexes located in densely packed retail corridors like Kozhikode’s Palayam area.
Traders, local business owners and residents say that narrow streets and restricted vehicle access make firefighting operations more challenging and time‑consuming, potentially putting lives and neighbouring properties at risk. A local engineer at the scene commented that firefighting might have been more efficient if there were wider access roads around the building.
After the 2023 fire, authorities and the management of Jayalakshmi Silks had reportedly taken steps to enhance fire prevention systems, including the installation of additional safety equipment. However, the recurrence suggests that either these measures were insufficient or that compliance monitoring needs to be more rigorous. Officials have indicated that once the present fire is fully extinguished and the site safe, a detailed inspection will be undertaken to assess structural integrity, fire safety adherence, and likely causes.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Recurring incidents like the Jayalakshmi Silks blaze are stark reminders that fire safety must be a priority, not an afterthought, especially in densely populated market areas where commercial spaces host both employees and the public. While it is fortuitous that no lives were lost this time, the repeated nature of such incidents at the same location should spur reflection and critical action from all stakeholders government regulators, municipal inspectorates, business owners and the community at large.
