At least five snack pushcarts and a warehouse storing carton boxes filled with dry grass were gutted after a fire broke out late Thursday night on Lingadagudi Road in Vijayapura. The incident, which occurred around 11 pm, caused significant property damage but fortunately resulted in no casualties.
Fire breaks out in open vending area
The blaze erupted in an open space where hawkers usually park their carts and sell snacks during the day. As the area is non-residential and the carts were unoccupied, the fire spread rapidly without causing harm to any individuals.
Fire and Emergency Services officials said the fire was likely triggered by a cylinder blast inside one of the carts. The initial explosion ignited surrounding material, including other carts and a warehouse storing carton boxes in an under-construction building nearby.
The intensity of the fire led to the explosion of four cylinders, which caused further damage, including cracks in the wall of a nearby residential house.
Prompt response prevents further damage
The loud explosions startled residents in the vicinity, prompting many to rush out of their homes. Firefighters reached the spot swiftly, deploying five fire tenders to contain the blaze.
Despite the strong flames and multiple cylinder blasts, the fire was brought under control within an hour. Residents later expressed gratitude for the quick action taken by the fire personnel, which prevented the fire from spreading deeper into the neighbourhood.
Officials emphasised that the absence of commercial activity at the time of the incident, owing to shops being closed late at night, helped avert injuries.
Concerns over illegal occupation
Local residents said the open space where the fire occurred was originally designated for the development of a public garden. Over time, the area had been informally occupied by hawkers and snack vendors, leading to safety concerns due to the presence of gas cylinders and combustible materials.
Residents have urged the district administration to clear the encroached space and develop the garden as planned. They stressed that restoring the area to its intended purpose would help prevent such incidents and improve safety for nearby households.
Investigation underway
The Fire and Emergency Services Department has begun an inquiry into the exact cause of the fire, including whether poor maintenance, faulty cylinders or unsafe storage contributed to the accident. Police have also taken note of the residents’ complaints regarding illegal occupation of the open site.
Authorities are expected to review safety norms for vendors operating in such spaces and consider measures to regulate storage of cylinders and inflammable materials.