Silchar: A fire broke out at Premtola, the bustling commercial hub in the heart of Silchar town, in the early hours of Saturday, gutting a commercial establishment and triggering panic in the densely packed business locality.While no casualties have been reported, the incident is believed to have caused losses amounting to several lakhs of rupees. The exact extent of the damage is yet to be ascertained.
The blaze was first noticed by newspaper hawkers who had stepped out for their routine morning deliveries. According to local residents, the hawkers spotted thick plumes of smoke billowing out of a shop and immediately began banging on the shutters of neighbouring establishments to alert others.“The smoke was spreading fast. Had they not raised the alarm on time, the fire could have engulfed adjacent shops,” a local shopkeeper said.Awakened by the commotion, residents rushed to the spot and informed the electricity department to disconnect the power supply in the area as a precautionary measure. Fire and emergency services were also alerted without delay.At least four fire tenders were pressed into service. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly an hour before managing to bring the blaze under control. By then, however, the shop had been completely gutted.Preliminary reports suggest that a short circuit may have triggered the fire. “Prima facie, it appears to be an electrical short circuit. However, a detailed assessment is being carried out,” a fire department official said.Officials said the narrow lanes and closely built structures in the busy market area posed initial challenges to the firefighting operation. Quick coordination between residents and emergency responders helped prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining establishments, averting what could have turned into a major disaster.The incident has once again raised concerns over fire safety measures in congested commercial zones of the town, where shops operate in close proximity and electrical wiring often remains exposed and outdated.
