Huge Blaze Erupts at Carton Factory in Bikfaya

A major blaze broke out Monday at a carton factory in the Bikfaya area in Northern Metn and residents voiced fears that the flames might spread to their homes.

"Civil Defense crews are trying to douse a huge fire that erupted at the Gemayel Carton Factory in the Bikfaya area," state-run National News Agency reported.

Voice of Lebanon radio (93.3) said more than five firefighting vehicles were at the scene of the blaze and that residents demanded the use of a helicopter to prevent the spread of flames.

The factory's owner, Fadi Gemayel, told the radio station that the 35,000 square meters facility contains extremely flammable substances.

Meanwhile, MP Sami Gemayel, who hails from Bikfaya, telephoned caretaker Interior Minister Marwan Charbel, asking him to "utilize all the ministry's capabilities of the ministry, including the Scorsese helicopter, to contain the fire at the Bikfaya carton factory as soon as possible."

According to Gemayel's press office, Charbel promised to send "all the necessary support and reinforcements to put out the fire."

The lawmaker also telephoned caretaker Industry Minister Vrej Saboundjian, who in turn promised to exert utmost efforts.