Kolkata, Dec 25 (NationPress) A significant fire erupted on Christmas Day in the Garden Reach area of southern Kolkata, resulting in the destruction of numerous shanties and sparking panic among the local residents. The incident occurred in a densely populated slum, specifically within a garbage depot, where many shacks were engulfed in flames. The precise cause of this fire remains undetermined.

According to sources from the fire department, they received alerts about the fire around 4:30 p.m., after which seven fire engines were dispatched to the scene.

Thanks to the firefighters' relentless efforts, the blaze was brought under control shortly before 6 p.m., effectively preventing it from spreading to nearby areas.

Local police reported that the area affected was home to a large number of small shanties, most of which suffered complete destruction due to the fire.

The full extent of the damage caused by this incident has yet to be evaluated. Officials speculated that the fire could have been caused by a short circuit or possibly an explosion from a gas cylinder, but a thorough investigation is required for confirmation.

A senior officer from the Kolkata Police stated, 'The fire has been extinguished, and several shanties have been completely destroyed. Initially, it appears that a short circuit may have been the cause of the fire. However, the definitive cause will be determined after a comprehensive investigation and inspection of the area.'

The sudden fire during Christmas evening generated widespread alarm among the local residents, although there were no reports of casualties by the time of this report's release.

In a related note, just last week, a significant fire occurred in a slum near Eco Park in New Town, which was controlled after extensive efforts involving 20 fire engines. Additionally, another fire incident was reported last week at an oxygen cylinder factory in Kankurgachi, north Kolkata, where multiple cylinders exploded, causing a major fire outbreak.