Bhubaneswar, Aug. 22 (UDN): A major fire broke out at Bhubaneswar’s Unit-1 Market early Saturday, reducing two shops to ashes and causing property losses worth lakhs of rupees before firefighters managed to contain the blaze.
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The fire completely engulfed a grocery shop and a puja materials store, with flames spreading rapidly through the densely packed market. Preliminary reports suggest the blaze may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, though the exact cause is yet to be confirmed.
Fire Detected at Daybreak
Local residents noticed smoke rising from the shops in the early hours and alerted the authorities. By the time the shutters were opened, both shops were already engulfed in flames.
Two fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and firefighters launched an operation to prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining shops. The blaze was eventually brought under control.
Heavy Losses for Shop Owners
One of the affected shop owners said the fire is believed to have started around 5 a.m. and spread quickly because the shops are built close to one another.
The owner said the entire stock inside the shop was destroyed, resulting in substantial financial losses.
Recurring Fire Incidents Raise Alarm
The latest incident has once again raised concerns over fire safety at Unit-1 Market, which has witnessed similar blazes in the past. In an earlier major fire at the No. 1 Haat, more than 40 shops were gutted, causing extensive losses to traders and highlighting the need for stronger fire safety measures in the market.
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