Fire breaks out in Gangtok's Lal Bazaar; major destruction averted
Gangtok/UNI: Fire broke out in two shops in city's Lal Bazaar and spread to two other shops around 2.30 pm after the main gates of the market were closed.
Two fire tenders were pressed into service which doused the flames in almost half an hour.
The fire was noticed by a certain young man who informed the fire brigade about the smoke issuing from the market complex.
Fire & Emergency service team led by Fire Safety Officer Sandeep Subba and FSO Samsher Subba controlled the blaze spreading in a destructive manner.
The FSO said the fire happened to spread from an incense (Saang) burning container.
Minister for Urban & Housing Development Arun Upreti visited the complex during the fire-fighting operation.
"The damage is being assessed and further inquiry into the cause of the fire is being conducted," said the Minister.
He appealed to the people to be careful while performing any puja anywhere.
When the fire broke out, most of the shop keepers had already left.
Vegetable floor, the only one exempted from lockdown in the Lal Bazaar shopping complex, has been functioning under police surveillance since March 25.
The market closes at the sound of whistle by police at 2 pm, signalling the customers and vegetable vendors to vacate the market complex immediately.
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