The Sankung Sillah factory located at Kanifing Industrial Area was engulfed by fire on Thursday. The fire burnt down one of the buildings in the factory premises.

Despite the attention engendered by theFire & Rescue Service vehicle's alarm, the security officers at the company's gate blatantly refused media personnel and other sympathisers entry into the factory. The security officers said they were simply carrying out orders from their boss. "The Human Resources manager said no one should be allowed inside," one of them said.

However, the Fire Rescue Service personnel who arrived at the scene immediately swung into action. Prior to their arrival, workers at the factory were seen trying to put off the fire with sand. Efforts to reach the managing director and Human Resources manager of the company proved futile.

The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage are yet to ascertained. However, if the fire did considerable damage, it will be an additional loss to Sankung Sillah Company, as its Mecalite unit that produces candle was closed down in December 2011 due to the company's indebtedness to the bank.