Massive Fire Guts Over 50 Shops in Paradip Household Market

Paradip: A major fire broke out in the main household goods market of Paradip late on Saturday night, reducing more than 50 shops to ashes and causing extensive financial losses to local traders.

The blaze reportedly erupted around 2 am in the bustling market area, a key commercial hub catering to the daily needs of residents and the trading community. Due to the presence of makeshift structures built with bamboo and tarpaulin sheets, the flames spread rapidly, engulfing shop after shop within minutes.

Goods worth lakhs of rupees were destroyed in the inferno, including cash, vegetables, computer hardware, bicycles and various essential household items. The sudden fire left traders helpless as they watched their livelihoods go up in flames.

Five fire tenders from the local fire department rushed to the spot and fought the blaze for several hours before finally bringing it under control. Though no casualties were reported, the scale of destruction has left dozens of shopkeepers in shock and despair.

The market has long been considered a lifeline for the area’s residents and small traders. However, vendors have repeatedly demanded the establishment of a permanent vending zone with proper infrastructure and safety measures. Earlier minor fire incidents had already exposed the vulnerability of the temporary structures, but no concrete steps were taken to address the issue.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Preliminary suspicion points to a mosquito coil left burning or a possible electrical short circuit in the congested market setup.

Affected traders have urged the government to step in immediately with rehabilitation support and to develop safer, permanent market facilities to prevent such tragedies in the future.