More than 10 temporary shops were destroyed in a fire at a Kali Puja fair near Khalabadia in Bhograi block of Balasore district late Friday night. Goods stored inside the shops were also gutted in the incident.The fire reportedly broke out at one shop at around 2:30 am and soon spread to neighbouring stalls. The flames engulfed more than 10 shops within a short time which resulted in shopkeepers facing heavy losses.Fire Services Bring Blaze Under Control.On receiving information, firefighters from Bhograi Fire Services rushed to the spot and worked for a prolonged period to bring the fire under control.A short circuit is suspected to have triggered the blaze. However, the exact cause of the fire and the extent of the damage had not been established. These details will be confirmed afteran.investigation,reportedly.Shopkeepers Fear Heavy Losses.The affected shopkeepers fear that goods worth lakhs of rupees were destroyed in the fire. They have sought the administration’s intervention to assess the losses and provide assistance to those affected.One of the shopkeepers said the fire started at around 2.30 am, and they did not find an opportunity to save their belongings.“We could not save anything. All the items and the shop were completely destroyed. I have incurred heavy losses,” the shopkeeper said.According to reports, the local Tehsildar said the department would contact the Revenue Inspector (RI) regarding the detailed report on the fire and the damage caused. The report will be sent to the concerned authorities, who will take further action accordingly.
Fire at Kali Puja fair in Balasore destroys more than 10 shops, shopkeepers seek compensation
