Odisha: 25 garment shops gutted in fire in Bhubaneshwar

In Odisha, around 25 garment shops were gutted in a fire that broke out in a market in Bhubaneswar during Diwali celebrations early on Friday, police said. No one was injured in the incident but garments were damaged due to the fire, a senior officer said. "Garment shops were severely damaged in the fire that engulfed the underground market at Unit-I Market Building area late on Diwali night," he said.A preliminary report revealed that the fire broke out in a saree store and spread to adjacent shops, he said.
Most of the shops were clothes shops, selling sarees and other such items. The whole area from Rajmahal to AG square was filled with smoke and flames. Fire was doused after an operation of as long as four (4) hours by the fire services personnel.Around 10 fire engines were pressed into service. It has been alleged that the fire was started due to a short circuit.  The locals spotted the smoke bellowing out of the dome shaped structure for ventilation in the market and informed the police and fire services.It was difficult for fire brigade personnel to get control over the blaze as both sides of the underground market remained closed, an official added.