Hyderabad: As many as 22 temporary roadside sheds where furniture was manufactured and sold were gutted in a massive fire that broke out late Tuesday night under the Bachupally police station limits. No casualties were reported in the incident, police and fire department officials said on Wednesday.
The blaze erupted around 11 pm in one of the makeshift sheds and quickly spread to adjacent units, reducing wooden furniture, upholstery materials and manufacturing supplies to ashes.
Fire spreads rapidly across sheds
According to officials, the fire originated in a single shed but intensified rapidly due to the presence of highly combustible materials such as wooden planks, foam, fabric and varnish. Within minutes, flames engulfed several adjoining sheds located along the roadside.
Eye-witnesses stated that a short circuit occurred on an electric pole near the sheds. A live wire reportedly snapped and fell onto sofas placed outside one of the units, triggering the fire. The flames soon spread uncontrollably, fanned by the dry wooden stock and other flammable items stored in the open.
Police said preliminary investigations also point to an electrical short circuit as the likely cause of the incident. However, a detailed probe is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events.
Six fire tenders pressed into service
Upon receiving information, fire department personnel rushed to the spot with six fire tenders. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control.
A police official said prompt action by the fire department prevented the flames from spreading further to nearby residential areas and commercial establishments.
“No injuries have been reported. The fire was contained in time, preventing a larger disaster,” the official said.
Authorities cordoned off the area during the operation to ensure public safety and to facilitate firefighting efforts.
Heavy losses for small traders
The sheds were reportedly being used by small-scale furniture manufacturers and vendors who operated temporary units along the roadside. The fire destroyed finished products such as sofas, chairs and wooden cabinets, along with raw materials including timber, plywood and upholstery supplies.
While an official estimate of the financial loss is yet to be released, traders indicated that the damage could run into several lakh rupees. Many of the affected vendors depend on daily sales for their livelihood and are now facing significant setbacks.
Local residents expressed concern over the use of temporary electrical connections and the storage of combustible materials in roadside structures, calling for stricter monitoring to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Safety concerns and investigation
Fire officials reiterated the importance of maintaining proper electrical wiring and adhering to fire safety norms, especially in areas where flammable goods are stored. They advised small business owners to conduct periodic checks of electrical installations and avoid overloading power lines.
Police have registered a case and initiated further investigation. Electrical department officials are also expected to inspect the site to verify whether faulty wiring or unauthorised connections contributed to the short circuit.
Conclusion
The incident once again highlights the vulnerability of temporary commercial setups to fire hazards, particularly when dealing with materials like wood and foam. While the absence of injuries has brought relief, the destruction of 22 sheds has dealt a severe blow to small entrepreneurs in the area.
Authorities have assured that necessary steps will be taken to examine safety lapses and prevent recurrence. For now, affected traders are assessing their losses and hoping for assistance to rebuild their businesses.