Massive Fire Ravages Birati Market in Bengal, Nearly 200 Shops Destroyed

Kolkata: A massive fire tore through Jadu Babu’s Market in Birati, located in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, in the early hours of Tuesday, destroying around 200 shops. No casualties were reported, though the incident has left shop owners and workers devastated after losing their goods and livelihoods.

The popular market, situated adjacent to Birati railway station and frequented by local residents as well as daily commuters, was reduced to ashes within a short span of time. According to preliminary information, the fire broke out at around 1.30 a.m. and spread rapidly, fuelled by strong northerly winds.

Seven fire engines were deployed to control the blaze, but adverse weather conditions significantly hampered firefighting efforts. Local residents said that by the time fire services reached the area, most of the shops had already been completely engulfed by flames.

Even by Tuesday morning, the situation remained critical. Fire officials confirmed that while the main source of the fire had been doused, thick smoke continued to billow from the market and several pockets of fire were still visible.

The exact cause of the fire has not yet been ascertained, and an investigation is currently underway. Preliminary accounts from local traders suggest that the fire originated in a single shop before rapidly spreading across the market. The congested layout of the area is believed to have contributed significantly to the swift spread of the flames.

The incident narrowly avoided turning into a larger catastrophe, as the market is located close to several residential buildings and individual houses in a densely populated neighbourhood.

Recalling the ordeal, one trader who owned an electrical shop in the market said he received a frantic phone call urging him to rush to the spot. By the time he arrived, he found everything reduced to ashes, along with nearly 200 other shops.

North Dum Dum Municipality Chairman Bidhan Biswas visited the site along with other municipal representatives. Expressing solidarity with the affected traders, the Trinamool Congress leader assured them of support and rehabilitation efforts. He stated that the market falls under municipal jurisdiction and pledged that steps would be taken to assist those who suffered losses.

Biswas also called for a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the fire.

With inputs from IANS