Fire breaks out near Tesla production unit in US

San Francisco, Aug 24 (IANS) A fire broke out near electric carmaker Tesla's production plant in Fremont, California and threatened a nearby structure, the media reported.

"A fire burned outside the Tesla production plant, sending black smoke billowing skyward. The fire started at about 5:30 p.m. in a cardboard pile outside the electric car maker's factory and threatened a nearby structure, according to the Fremont Fire Department," NBC Bay Area reported late on Thursday. 

Reacting to the incident, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted: "No injuries or damage to factory."

According to pictures circulated by the media a structure was damaged but not the one where Tesla Model 3 sedans are being built.

"The cause of the blaze was said to be some cardboard and shipping materials being prepared for recycling on our southern fence line catching fire, along with a small patch of grass next to a Tesla parking lot," Engadget quoted Tesla as saying.

"The fire is now contained. We would like to thank the Fremont Fire Department for their rapid response. There are no injuries and we are investigating the cause," the carmaker added.