Lucknow: A major fire broke out in a date packaging unit operating from the basement of a multi-storey building in Dubagga on Saturday afternoon, triggering a large-scale firefighting operation involving six fire tenders. The blaze was brought under control after nearly 90 minutes, with no casualties reported, officials said.Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit in the power meter.The incident occurred around 1pm near the fish market opposite Unity College. Thick black smoke billowing from the basement triggered panic among residents and shopkeepers in the area.According to the fire department, three fire tenders from Chowk Fire Station were initially rushed to the spot after an emergency call. As the intensity of the fire increased, three additional tenders from Chowk, Hazratganj and BKT fire stations were pressed into service.Officials said dense toxic smoke had filled the basement, making immediate entry impossible for firefighters. A specialised team equipped with breathing apparatus (BA) sets was then deployed inside to combat the flames.After intensive firefighting operations lasting nearly one-and-a-half hours, the blaze was completely extinguished.The fire destroyed a large quantity of packed dates, packaging material, a packaging machine and several deep freezers.The building belongs to Shashank Yadav of Balaganj, Thakurganj. The basement had been rented out.
