Bhubaneswar, Jan 20: A devastating fire broke out at Bhubaneswar’s busy Unit-1 Market around 2 am, engulfing nearly 50 shops and causing widespread destruction. The blaze triggered panic in the area and was finally brought under control after a strenuous three-hour operation involving 13 fire tenders.
According to reports, the fire started in a grocery shop and quickly spread to adjacent stores due to the presence of highly inflammable materials. More than 70 firefighters, led by senior officials, were deployed along with two units of the Striking Fire Force to control the situation. Fire personnel used chemical foam compounds, fire proximity suits, JCB machines and advanced robotic monitors, which played a crucial role in dousing the flames.
Preliminary estimates suggest that property worth around ₹1 crore was destroyed in the incident. However, no casualties were reported as the market was closed at the time of the fire.
Traders said the flames rapidly spread from one shop to another, though the exact cause is yet to be ascertained. Local police have launched an investigation and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area.
Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Mayor visited the spot to assess the damage. The incident has raised serious concerns over fire safety in congested market areas.
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