Fire guts fast food shop in Goraya, losses run into lakhs

A fire broke out at Vez Parlour, a fast-food shop in Guru Bazaar, Goraya, on Wednesday morning, causing extensive damage to the kitchen and its contents. The blaze, which started around 8 am, was reportedly triggered by an unknown cause, though investigations are ongoing.

Shop owner Mani said smoke began emerging from the shop suddenly, prompting locals to alert Ward Councillor Prof Rishu, who immediately contacted the Phillaur Fire Brigade for assistance. Despite efforts by locals to control the fire, it spread rapidly, destroying the kitchen and reducing all its contents to ashes.

Firefighters eventually arrived and managed to extinguish the flames, but not before significant damage was done. Fortunately, one gas cylinder in the kitchen and another below the shop remained intact, while three additional cylinders stored inside the premises were also unaffected.

Prof Rishu expressed sympathy for the shop owner. He said that although a fire tender has been allotted for Goraya, its operational costs borne by the Nagar Council, the vehicle remains stationed at the Phillaur Fire Station, resulting in delayed response. He added that had the fire tender reached on time, the damage could have been minimised.

He vowed to raise the issue in the council meeting, demanding that the fire tender be permanently stationed in Goraya to ensure prompt emergency response.