13 shops reduced to ashes at Sector 53 furniture market in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, June 22

Thirteen shops, 12 dealing in furniture and one in tea, were reduced to ashes in a major fire that broke out at the furniture market in Sector 53 this afternoon. This was the 11th major fire reported from the market in the past 15 years.

No loss of life was reported, but the owners have pegged the loss of furniture and others items at Rs 50 lakh to Rs 60 lakh.

“The reason behind the fire is yet to be ascertained, but it spread due to combustible material such as thinner kept in shops,” said a fire official.

Call received at 4.05 pm

12 fire engines, boozers from different fire stations pressed into service

Firemen took one hour to douse the flames

According to firemen, they received a call regarding the incident at 4.05 pm. At least 12 fire engines and boozers from different fire stations were pressed into service.

Since the fire was massive and the location wasthe Chandigarh-Mohali border, the city fire team asked its Mohali counterparts to sent two fire engines.

It took over an hour for the firemen to douse the flames. Chaos was witnessed in the area as shopkeepers and their workers were seen taking out goods amid the blaze.

The police barricaded the road separating Sector 53 and 54 to stop traffic. However, this led to traffic jams on connecting roads.

Kulbir Singh, whose shop was also gutted in the fire, said, “Thirteen shops were completely burnt. Due to combustible material such as wood and thinner, it became tough to control the fire.” He said some shops were insured, but some weren’t.

The shopkeepers, who mostly have tin-shed structures, have been demanding booths from the UT Administration.

Mayor Sarabjit Kaur visited the spot and said, “I will take up the matter with the UT Administration so that fire incidents can be prevented here.”

Not the first time

April 2020: Last major fire reported

Sept 2016: Nine shops gutted in a fire

2015: Eight shops gutted

2014: Five shops gutted

2012: 22 shops damaged

2001, 2002 & 2009: Similar incidents were reported

Fire safety norms go for a toss

• No heed to fire safety norms at the market
• In almost all shops, there is no passage for the movement of fire engines. Besides, a majority of shopkeepers do not have fire extinguishers. Loosely hanging electricity wires can be seen all over