Bhubaneswar: A devastating fire broke out in the early hours at No. 1 Haat’s Plastic Market in Bhubaneswar, destroying more than 40 shops and causing extensive property damage estimated at several lakhs. The blaze erupted around 1:38 am, spreading rapidly through the congested market area.
The fire escalated quickly, fueled by the market’s extensive use of plastic and polythene materials, which intensified the flames. The narrow lanes and closely packed shops further accelerated the spread, making firefighting operations challenging.
Major Firefighting Response Fire teams from multiple stations responded immediately, including units from:
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Chandrashekharpur
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Tamando
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Pahal
A total of 13 fire tenders and around 70 firefighters were deployed to control the blaze. The teams battled the fire for over an hour before bringing it under control. However, the damage was already extensive by then.
Possible Cause: Electrical Short Circuit
Preliminary investigations indicate that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the fire. Authorities are conducting a detailed probe to confirm the exact cause and assess the extent of damage.
Safety Concerns Raised for Unit-I Market
The incident has once again raised serious concerns about safety at Unit-I Market, which has a history of repeated fire mishaps due to congested layouts and non-compliance with safety norms. Traders and residents have expressed worry over the lack of adequate fire safety measures and emergency access routes.
Traders Demand Stricter Safety Measures
The Unit-I Market Traders’ Association has urged authorities to:
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Enforce fire safety regulations strictly
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Widen narrow lanes for better access
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Ensure regular inspection of electrical wiring and installations
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Implement a comprehensive fire prevention plan
“This is not the first time such a disaster has occurred. We need stricter safety enforcement and better infrastructure to prevent future tragedies,” said a representative of the traders’ association.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and fire officials are expected to conduct a detailed inspection of the market. Authorities may also consider implementing stricter fire safety protocols and reworking market layout plans to improve safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.
-OdishaAge
