Massive fire engulfs Unit-1 Market in Bhubaneswar; around 40 shops reduced to ashes

A massive fire broke out at Unit-1 Market in Bhubaneswar late on Monday night, reducing more than 40 shops to ashes and causing extensive damage to property. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, officials said.

According to sources, the blaze first erupted at an idol shop located near the Capital Police Station at around 1:45 am. The flames soon spread to a nearby parked scooter and then rapidly engulfed adjoining shops.

The situation worsened after LPG cylinders stored inside some of the shops exploded, further intensifying the fire. The presence of plastic goods in nearby shops also fuelled the blaze, making firefighting operations more challenging.

To control the inferno, as many as 13 fire tenders were pressed into service along with robotic monitors and a striking fire force team. Nearly 70 fire service personnel and 10 fire officers were deployed in the operation. After nearly three hours of continuous effort, the fire was finally brought under control.

Fire officials said the blaze did not spread further as a parking area behind the affected shops acted as a natural barrier. No casualties were reported in the incident.

“My shop has been reduced to ashes. I have no insurance,” said one of the affected shopkeepers.

Another trader said, “I had closed my shop and gone home around 10 pm. At about 1:30 am, I received a call informing me about the fire. I rushed to the spot immediately. I have been running my business for the last 40 years, and property worth around Rs 3 lakh has been damaged in the mishap.”

Meanwhile, an investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the fire.

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Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Chanchal Rana said that despite repeated instructions not to sell plastic items, some traders continued the practice. “As many as 40 shops, including vending carts, were destroyed in the fire. To assess the losses, our emergency response teams and two teams from the tehsils have been deployed. Necessary government assistance will be provided to the affected shopkeepers,” he said.