Firecracker shops catch fire in Ganjam ahead of Diwali

In a concerning incident just days before Diwali, a fire broke out at a cluster of licensed firecracker shops on the outskirts of Rambha town in Ganjam district on Sunday. The blaze, which erupted suddenly, caused massive damage to the establishments and destroyed large quantities of stored firecrackers.

According to reports, two out of three firecracker shops were completely gutted in the fire before emergency services arrived.

Firefighters from the Rambha Fire Brigade were immediately dispatched to the site and managed to bring the flames under control after a strenuous operation, preventing the fire from spreading further to nearby structures. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries have been reported in the incident.

Also Read: Diwali in Odisha: After Bhubaneswar, restrictions imposed on firecracker bursting in Cuttack

Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, though the exact reason is yet to be confirmed. The affected shop owners have reportedly suffered heavy losses, and a detailed inquiry has been launched to assess the extent of the damage and verify safety compliance.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Cuttack Police have announced time restrictions on bursting firecrackers ahead of Diwali celebrations, allowing it only between 7 pm and 9 pm, in line with similar guidelines in Bhubaneswar.

The Commissionerate Police has warned that strict action will be taken against violators and urged citizens to celebrate responsibly, adhering to safety norms and designated time limits to prevent accidents and fire hazards.