35 shops gutted in Khagrachhari fire

At least 35 shops were gutted in a devastating fire that broke out at Boalkhali Bazar in Khagrachhari’s Dighinala upazila early Friday.

The fire reportedly started around 2:45 AM on Thursday night.

Being informed, four units from Dighinala and Sadar fire service stations rushed to the scene and brought the blaze under control after nearly three hours of effort, around 6:00 AM.

Fire Service officials suspect an electrical short circuit as the possible cause of the blaze, though a full investigation will be conducted to confirm the origin.

Fire Service officials were assisted by police, the army and local residents in the firefighting operation.

Local trader said that fires occur frequently in Dighinala and Boalkhali bazaars every year, but there is a lack of an adequate firefighting system, including nearby water sources.

Dighinala Fire Station in-charge Pankaj Barua said various types of shops, including pharmacies and clothing stores, were gutted in the fire.

“The extent of damage will be assessed after the fire is fully extinguished,” added the official.

NM/AM