What Caused the Massive Fire That Gutted 200 Shops in Birati Market?
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Synopsis
A massive fire in Birati's Jadu Babu's market led to the destruction of about 200 shops early Tuesday morning, but thankfully, no casualties were reported. Investigations are underway as the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating incident.
Key Takeaways
- 200 shops destroyed in Birati's market fire.
- No casualties reported.
- Firefighters faced challenges due to strong winds.
- Investigation underway to determine the cause.
- Municipal support promised for affected traders.
Kolkata, Dec 30 (NationPress) A devastating fire erupted in the early hours of Tuesday, engulfing approximately 200 shops in the Jadu Babu's market located in Birati, part of West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. The inferno swiftly consumed the shops, obliterating the goods and belongings within, leaving owners and workers in a state of disbelief. Fortunately, initial reports indicated that there were no casualties.
This well-known market, situated next to the Birati railway station, is a popular destination for locals and travelers alike.
According to sources, the catastrophic fire ignited around 1:30 a.m. and spread rapidly, fueled by strong northerly winds.
A total of seven fire engines were dispatched to combat the blaze. However, the fierce winds hampered firefighters' efforts, and by the time they arrived, the destruction was extensive.
As of Tuesday morning, the situation remained precarious, with firefighters noting that while the main source of the fire was extinguished, smoke continued to billow and small flames were still evident throughout the market.
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. Local traders reported that the fire originated in a single shop before rapidly spreading throughout the market, exacerbated by the area's crowded layout.
Had it not been for timely action, the fire could have resulted in a catastrophic disaster, given the proximity of numerous housing complexes and individual residences in the densely populated area. One trader recounted, "Someone called to inform me that everything was gone. I rushed over, but by the time I arrived, it was all reduced to ashes. There are roughly 200 shops here. I owned an electrical shop."
The chairman of North Dum Dum Municipality, Bidhan Biswas, swiftly arrived on the scene with several municipal officials. He expressed solidarity with the traders during this challenging time, stating, "We stand with them. This market is under municipal jurisdiction, and we will ensure their needs are addressed. Rehabilitation efforts will be initiated."
He also called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Point of View
This incident highlights the urgent need for improved fire safety measures in densely populated markets. While the community mourns the loss of livelihoods, it is crucial that authorities prioritize thorough investigations to prevent future tragedies.
NationPress
05/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire in Birati's market?
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation by firefighters and local authorities.
Were there any casualties reported from the fire?
Preliminary reports indicate that there were no casualties from the fire.
How many shops were affected by the fire?
Approximately 200 shops were gutted in the devastating fire.
What actions are being taken for the affected traders?
The chairman of North Dum Dum Municipality has pledged support and rehabilitation efforts for the affected traders.
When did the fire break out?
The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. on December 30.
