A major fire broke out in a chemical godown near Bhiwandi in Thane district today at around 12.25 pm. Almost 28 godowns which stored inflammable chemicals and solvents have caught fire in this incident. Fire spread rapidly in Padmavati Complex at Var Pada , embedding the area in a cloud of pungent smoke. <br/><br/>Fire brigade personnel said that fire spread rapidly at godowns and firemen from Thane and Kalyan struggled for more than six hours to control the blaze. He further said that not only water but large amount of foam was required to control the situation. 40 workers alongwith their families have been rescued safely. <br/><br/>AIR Thane PTC Jitendra Kalekar reported that the chemicals were stored illegally in these godowns. No casualties have been reported so far. The cause of fire is not yet established.