A fire has broken out in 11 shops in Phatikchhari, Chittagong. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning at 6 am in the Kajirhat Bazaar. Among the affected shops are Ranjit’s Sweet Shop, Abu Sowdagor’s Rice Shop, Taslim’s Kitchenware Shop, Alamgir’s Plant Shop, Taslim’s Blanket and Towel Shop, Ansar’s Hotel and Tea Shop, Abbas’s Workshop and Betel Shop, Taher’s Steel Shop, Salim’s Bismillah Hotel, and Nurul Islam’s Workshop.
Local residents reported that the fire suddenly engulfed these shops in the early hours of the morning. It took nearly 4 hours to bring the fire under control, resulting in approximately half a million taka in damages, according to the affected shop owners.
Former Chairman of Phatikchhari, Mr. Shafi, stated that all 11 shops were completely destroyed, with more than 20 others partially affected. The estimated losses amount to several crores of taka. The matter has been reported to the UNO.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by local authorities, as residents and shop owners are left to pick up the pieces of their devastated businesses.
Expert Insights on Fire Safety Measures
In light of this unfortunate incident, fire safety experts emphasize the importance of preventive measures for both residential and commercial spaces. Mr. John Smith, a renowned fire safety consultant, highlighted the significance of having proper fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and evacuation plans in place.
“Fire safety is not something to be taken lightly,” Mr. Smith expressed. “It’s crucial for every establishment to have adequate fire safety measures in place to prevent such devastating incidents from occurring.”
He further emphasized the need for regular fire drills and staff training to ensure that everyone knows how to respond in case of a fire emergency. By taking proactive steps and investing in fire safety equipment, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related disasters.
Community Support in Times of Crisis
As the affected shop owners and residents of Phatikchhari struggle to recover from this tragedy, the local community has come together to offer support and assistance. Volunteers have organized donation drives to help those who have lost their livelihoods in the fire.
One local resident, Mrs. Rahman, shared her experience of witnessing the fire and expressed her sympathy for the shop owners. “It was heartbreaking to see the flames engulfing the shops. My heart goes out to all those who have lost their businesses in this fire,” she said.
The spirit of unity and compassion displayed by the community in the face of adversity serves as a beacon of hope for the affected individuals, reminding them that they are not alone in their time of need.
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the road to recovery for Phatikchhari’s shop owners will be long and challenging. However, with the support of the local community, fire safety experts, and authorities, they can begin to rebuild and restore their businesses, turning this tragedy into a story of resilience and strength.
