Around 200 shops in Birati’s Jadu Babu Market in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district were engulfed in a fire during the early hours of Tuesday. The fire resulted in the complete destruction of the shops, causing loss of goods and assets, leaving owners and workers in shock. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported as a result of the fire.
The market, situated near Birati railway station, is a popular destination for locals and travelers. The fire, which started around 1.30 a.m., spread rapidly due to strong northward winds, making it challenging for firefighters to control. Despite the efforts of seven fire engines, the blaze continued to rage, leading to the complete devastation of the shops by the time the firefighters arrived.
Even after the fire was contained, smoke continued to rise from the market, and pockets of fire remained visible. The cause of the fire is still unknown, and investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the blaze. Locals and traders revealed that the fire began in one shop and quickly spread throughout the market, aided by the congested layout of the area.
The proximity of residential complexes and houses heightened the risk of a larger disaster, prompting concerns among residents. Bidhan Biswas, the chairman of North Dum Dum Municipality, visited the site along with municipal representatives to extend support to the affected traders. He assured them of rehabilitation efforts, emphasizing the municipality’s commitment to assisting those impacted by the tragic incident.
