A private metal scrap godown near Government Taluk Hospital in Ambur town was gutted on Sunday, after fire broke out in the facility and destroyed goods worth ₹7 lakh.

The police said that it was around noon when residents noticed thick smoke coming from the godown, which was run by Mohammed Abbas, 58, a resident of Ambur town. They tried to douse the fire, but it had spread to the entire godown.

On being informed, firefighters from Ambur town reached the spot and doused the fire.

A case was registered by Ambur Town police. The police said that an electrical short circuit could have been the reason for the accident. A probe is under way.