Bhubaneswar: A massive fire that broke out at a super mart near Lingipur under Dhauli police limits on Bhubaneswar outskirts on Monday night continues to rage, with firefighters struggling to bring it under control even after 14 hours.
As per reports, the blaze, which started around 10 pm on the third floor of the four-storey building, has engulfed a significant portion of the market, destroying goods worth crore of rupees. Despite the deployment of over 40 fire tenders and advanced technology, including hydraulic platforms and fire-suppression foam, the fire remains uncontrolled till the last report came in.
The building’s walls have cracked, and the roof is melting, posing a risk of collapse. Firefighters are attempting to break through the walls to access the interior and douse the flames.
Talking to mediapersons, Director General of Fire Services, Sudhanshu Sarangi, stated that it would take another three to four hours to bring the fire under control. “We have sufficient fire tenders, but water alone won’t suffice. We have started breaking through walls to access the interior, as there are no doors or windows. When a building is exposed to fire for an extended period, the heat can compromise its structural stability. And we’re using foam to contain the fire. It’s a challenge due to the highly inflammable materials stored inside.”
The cause of the fire is suspected to be a short circuit, and an investigation is underway.
