Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Nov 15: A massive fire swept through Kolkata’s bustling Ezra Street in the early hours of Saturday, destroying nearly 300 shops and godowns packed with electrical goods, plywood and other combustible materials. Despite the scale of the blaze, authorities confirmed that there were no casualties, as all residents in adjoining buildings were safely evacuated.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Indira Mukherjee said the timely evacuation prevented loss of life. “We had evacuated all the buildings. So no casualties,” she told reporters at the spot.

The fire, suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit, spread rapidly through the narrow lanes lined with closely packed commercial structures. Flames intensified as stocks of electrical items and wooden materials caught fire.

Initially, six fire tenders were deployed, but the number was quickly increased to 20 engines as the blaze grew. Thick black smoke engulfed the area, prompting the fire department to bring in a smoke sucker to help firefighters enter the affected buildings. “There were a lot of combustible materials inside. Right now the focus is on bringing the fire under control. A detailed investigation will follow,” said a senior Fire and Emergency Services officer.

All roads around Ezra Street have been shut to ensure unhindered movement of emergency vehicles.

Local councillor Santosh Pathak criticised authorities for ignoring repeated warnings about fire safety. “I have written so many times over the last 22 years about the poor safety standards here, but no steps were taken,” he said.

The incident comes barely a week after another fire broke out at a godown on R N Mukherjee Road, less than 200 metres from the Kolkata Police Headquarters, raising renewed concerns about infrastructure safety in the city’s commercial hubs.