Kolkata: Burrabazar fire yet to be controlled

The fire broke out at Burrabazar around 9:35 pm on Monday night. Police have evacuated the building and adjacent houses fearing collapse.

Kolkata, Feb 28: The fire in a century-old building in central Kolkata's wholesale market Burrabazar continued to rage today, with 35 fire tenders working to douse the blaze which broke out last night.

There was no report of any casualty, officials said.

Thick smoke was seen billowing out of the building engulfing the entire area.

The ceiling and wooden staircase of the building have collapsed. Fearing that the building may collapse, the police had evacuated the building, when the fire broke out at around 9.35 PM yesterday, and adjacent houses.

Traffic movement around Rabindra Sarani and nearby roads has been controlled as a precautionary measure.

Fire fighters continued operations overnight, defying the challenges in reaching the building located on the narrow Amaratala Lane in the densely congested Burrabazar area, a senior official of the Fire department told PTI this morning.

"The fire is still not under control but we are fighting hard to douse it. As the building is located inside a narrow lane, it is difficult to reach there quickly," the officer said.

State Fire Minister and city Mayor Sovan Chatterjee was present at the scene for almost the entire night.

On the reason for the fire, the official said that it was yet to be ascertained but storage of inflammable materials quickened the spread of fire.

Traders at the Burrabazar area have decided to keep the Bagri market close for the entire day.

PTI