Fire Breaks Out in Jodhpur Park Market, Kolkata; No Casualties Reported

A sudden blaze ripped through several shops at the bustling Jodhpur Park market in south Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a swift response from fire services but resulting in no casualties. The incident, which occurred around 3:35 p.m., engulfed four temporary structures in the popular shopping hub known for its mix of retail outlets, eateries, and daily essentials vendors. Eyewitnesses described thick black smoke billowing from the site, visible from nearby residential areas, causing temporary panic among shoppers and locals. Fire brigade officials confirmed that four engines were dispatched immediately, containing the fire by 5:00 p.m. and preventing it from spreading to adjacent permanent buildings.

Jodhpur Park, a vibrant neighborhood in the upscale Jadavpur area, serves as a key community market catering to middle-class families with its affordable goods and street food stalls. The affected shops, primarily makeshift setups selling clothes, household items, and groceries, were reduced to ashes, leading to an estimated material loss in the lakhs. "We heard explosions from gas cylinders and saw flames shooting up quickly," recounted a nearby shopkeeper, highlighting the rapid escalation typical in densely packed urban markets. Fortunately, the timing—mid-afternoon with fewer crowds—ensured no one was trapped, underscoring the market's role as a daytime economic lifeline for small traders in Kolkata's expanding suburbs.

The fire department's efficient operation averted a larger disaster, with teams using foam and water jets to douse the flames amid challenges from narrow access lanes. Preliminary assessments point to possible electrical short circuits or unattended cooking appliances as triggers, common hazards in informal market setups lacking robust safety infrastructure. "The gutted structures were temporary, which made containment easier, but it highlights the need for regular inspections," noted a senior fire official, emphasizing Kolkata's vulnerability to such fires during the pre-winter dry season. An official probe has been launched to determine the exact cause, with forensic teams expected to analyze remnants for accelerants or wiring faults.

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This incident adds to a string of fire mishaps in Kolkata's markets, including a similar outbreak at Burrabazar in August that damaged goods worth crores. Authorities have renewed calls for enhanced fire safety protocols, such as mandatory extinguishers and evacuation drills, amid the city's rapid urbanization straining emergency resources. As cleanup begins, affected vendors seek government aid for rebuilding, while the community breathes a sigh of relief over the injury-free outcome. The event serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between commerce and safety in India's teeming metropolises.

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