6 shops, 2 two-wheelers gutted in Zuarinagar fire

The source further stated, “The fire started from behind the shops and soon the fire was huge. Residents and neighbours immediately alerted the fire station and one fire tender each from Verna, Vasco and Zuari Agro Chemicals reached the site and after efforts of over three hours managed to douse it at around 4.30 am. The reason for the fire is not known, but it is assumed that the fire could have started due to a short circuit. All shops were gutted in the fire along with the stocks inside it. Two bikes parked outside the shops were also gutted in the fire,” said the source.

Owner of Welcome bar and restaurant, Vinod Kumar Gopinath said that he alone has suffered a loss of around Rs 25 to 30 lakh while the total losses of all the shops could be around Rs 35 to 40 lakh. 

“I was in the shop till late evening and I left at around 12 am after closing the shop and putting off all the electrical connections. I got a call at around 1.50 am that the shop was on fire and by the time I reached here, almost all of my shop was gutted in the fire and the fire tenders had not reached by then. Had the fire tenders reached on time, the losses would definitely be less,” said Gopinath. 

Meanwhile, the local panch Kavita Kamal said that some arrangements have to be done for having a fire tender exclusively for Zuarinagar as it is a densely populated area.

“The fire brigade arrived after one hour of calling and some of these shops may not have insurance and they will be ruined. There are shops selling gas cylinders next to the shops that were gutted in the fire but fortunately the fire did not spread there and a disaster and tragedy was averted. We also appeal that the government and MLA see that a fire tender is dedicated for Zuarinagar,” said Kamal.