Cuttack, June 1: A devastating fire erupted on Monday at a warehouse in the fish market of Cuttack, the cultural capital of Odisha. The blaze spread rapidly, causing extensive damage to a nearby multi-story building that housed a bank, stores, and several shops. Firefighters are currently battling the flames amidst thick smoke and intense heat.
District Fire Officer Prashant Kumar Dhal stated, “The fire broke out near the fish market on Link Road in Cuttack. Upon receiving the alert, the Bhubaneswar control room was notified. Two water tankers and additional manpower were dispatched immediately. Initially, six fire engines were deployed, with more arriving later.”
He further explained, “Adjacent to the fish market was a building with a store on one floor, a bank on another, and additional floors above. The fire spread quickly, but we made every effort to control it. Currently, the fire has been brought under control, and rescue operations are ongoing, expected to conclude in the next few hours. A total of eight fire engines and about 50 personnel are on-site.”
Local police and administration arrived promptly after the fire was reported. The dense smoke caused panic among nearby shopkeepers and residents. The flames also impacted surrounding buildings. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit or other electrical malfunction, though the official cause has yet to be confirmed.
A significant amount of fish, ice, and other materials stored in the fish market were reduced to ashes, resulting in substantial losses for traders. The bank’s ground floor was also affected, damaging furniture, documents, and equipment. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries.
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