A major fire broke out on Monday morning in Chandigarh’s Industrial Area Phase-II, causing significant damage to two commercial units and raising renewed concerns over fire safety in the city. The blaze occurred at plot number 405 around 8:45 am, engulfing a utensils store and a shop dealing in electrical cables. Thick smoke and flames quickly spread through the area, prompting a rapid response from local authorities.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire escalated swiftly due to the presence of highly inflammable materials, particularly electrical cables stored on the premises. Residents and workers in the vicinity were evacuated as a precaution, while panic spread across the industrial area. No casualties were immediately reported, but the fire caused extensive structural damage to both units.

Jarnail Singh, who operates a factory nearby, was among the first to notice the smoke rising from the affected buildings. He immediately contacted the fire department and alerted colleagues and neighbours. “We saw smoke and informed the fire control room. Before the fire brigade arrived, locks of the shops were broken using a gas cutter,” Singh said, highlighting the quick actions that helped prevent further escalation.

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The fire department arrived promptly and brought the blaze under control after several hours of firefighting efforts. Firefighters worked to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent units, using specialised equipment to manage the electrical hazards present in the area. Authorities praised the coordinated response that prevented injuries and limited damage.

This is the second major fire incident in Chandigarh within a week, following a fire at the Sector 22 mobile market. Officials have called for urgent inspections of industrial and commercial areas to ensure fire safety measures are in place, including proper storage of flammable materials and accessible firefighting equipment. The repeated incidents have reignited debates about regulatory compliance and disaster preparedness in the city.

Local authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and are assessing the total losses incurred by the affected businesses. Residents and business owners in Industrial Area Phase II have urged stricter enforcement of safety protocols, while fire officials have emphasized public awareness campaigns and routine inspections to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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