Massive Fire Guts Six Makeshift Shops Near Badi Devi Sthan in Danapur's Pethiya Market; Losses Worth Lakhs Reported
Danapur (Patna) | Correspondent
Panic gripped Pethiya Market in Danapur, Patna district, late Friday night after a massive fire broke out near Badi Devi Sthan, reducing six makeshift roadside shops to ashes. The blaze spread rapidly within minutes, engulfing the temporary structures and sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky. The incident created chaos in the busy market area as residents and shopkeepers rushed to the scene.
As soon as the fire was noticed, local residents attempted to douse the flames using buckets of water. However, strong winds and the presence of highly combustible materials inside the shops caused the fire to spread quickly, making it difficult to control. The fire department was immediately informed about the incident.
Upon receiving the alert, five fire tenders were dispatched to the spot. Firefighters, with the assistance of local residents and police personnel, battled the flames for nearly one and a half hours before bringing the fire completely under control. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported, but goods worth several lakhs of rupees stored inside the six shops were completely destroyed.
Eyewitnesses said the fire was so intense that it triggered panic across the market. Shopkeepers from nearby establishments hurriedly removed their merchandise to prevent the flames from spreading further. Residents also joined the firefighting efforts until the fire brigade arrived.
The shops destroyed in the blaze reportedly sold grocery items, clothing, plastic goods, wooden furniture, and other daily-use products. According to the affected shopkeepers, almost all their merchandise was reduced to ashes, resulting in heavy financial losses. Many of them said the shops were their only source of livelihood, and the incident has pushed their families into financial uncertainty.
Police from the local station also reached the scene soon after receiving information about the fire. Officers cordoned off the affected area, managed the crowd, and assisted firefighters in carrying out rescue and firefighting operations smoothly. As a precautionary measure, electricity supply in the surrounding area was temporarily disconnected to prevent any further mishap.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. However, local residents suspect that a short circuit or another electrical fault may have triggered the blaze. Police and fire department officials have launched an investigation, and experts are inspecting the site to determine the actual cause of the incident.
Officials from the Fire Services Department said that five fire engines were rushed to the market immediately after the emergency call was received. Additional resources were deployed as the flames spread rapidly through the temporary structures. They noted that if the fire had not been controlled in time, several nearby shops and residential buildings could also have been engulfed.
Following the incident, local administrative officials and public representatives visited the site to assess the damage. They assured the affected shopkeepers that all possible assistance would be provided in accordance with government rules. The revenue department has also been directed to conduct a detailed assessment of the losses to facilitate compensation, if applicable.
The affected shopkeepers have appealed to the administration for financial assistance, stating that years of hard work were destroyed within a few minutes. Some of them said they had recently purchased new stock on borrowed money, which was completely lost in the fire, leaving them in severe financial distress.
Residents have urged the authorities to strengthen fire safety measures in the market. They pointed out that many shops in the area operate from temporary structures and lack adequate firefighting equipment. According to them, installing fire extinguishers, ensuring water availability, and conducting regular fire safety inspections could significantly reduce the impact of such incidents in the future.
The administration has appealed to shopkeepers and the public to use electrical equipment safely, store flammable materials carefully, and immediately inform the fire department and police in case of any emergency. Officials also emphasized the need for regular inspections to ensure compliance with fire safety norms in crowded market areas.
The late-night fire has once again highlighted the importance of robust fire safety infrastructure in commercial markets. Police and fire officials are continuing their investigation, while authorities are preparing a detailed assessment of the losses. Local residents hope that the affected shopkeepers receive timely relief and that effective preventive measures are introduced to avoid similar incidents in the future.
