Kundapur: An online service centre was completely gutted in a late-night fire caused by an electrical short circuit at Tekkatte on Monday. The incident occurred at Ashlesha Online Service Centre, which was functioning inside Sri Navashakti Kalyana Mantapa near Kannukere along National Highway 66. Fire personnel later brought the blaze under control after local residents first attempted to contain it.
According to preliminary findings, the fire broke out after the shop owner had closed the premises for the day and returned home. With the centre locked at the time of the incident, the flames spread rapidly inside before anyone nearby noticed the smoke and alerted others.
Owner had closed shop before incident
The service centre was operated by Phaniraj Hathwar Koravadi. Sources said he had shut the shop as per routine schedule and left for home earlier in the night. The fire is believed to have started due to a sudden electrical short circuit in the wiring system or connected equipment inside the shop.
As the shop housed several electronic devices and power-backed systems, including an inverter battery, the fire intensified quickly once it started. The presence of plastic materials, furniture and stationery items also contributed to the rapid spread of flames.
By the time the incident came to public notice, much of the interior equipment had already caught fire.
Equipment and records destroyed
The blaze destroyed computers, printers, networking accessories, stationery stock, furniture, chairs, tables and other office materials kept inside the centre. The inverter battery and connected electrical fittings were also burnt.
Initial estimates indicate that the loss runs into several lakhs of rupees. Apart from hardware damage, there are also concerns that digital records and customer documents stored in the systems may have been lost due to the fire.
Nearby shopkeepers said thick smoke and flames were seen emerging from the hall section where the centre was operating. Power supply to the immediate line was later switched off as a precautionary step.
Local youths begin first response
Residents and local youths in the area rushed to the spot after noticing the fire and smoke. They attempted to douse the flames using available water sources and basic firefighting methods to prevent the blaze from spreading to other portions of the building.
Their early response helped slow the spread until professional firefighters arrived. People in the vicinity also helped clear the area and ensured that no one entered the smoke-filled section of the structure.
Witnesses said the quick alert raised by locals played a key role in preventing a larger disaster in the busy roadside zone.
Fire services bring blaze under control
Personnel from the Kundapura Fire and Emergency Services reached the location soon after receiving information and launched a full firefighting operation. Using hoses and protective gear, they entered the smoke-affected section and extinguished the remaining flames.
After the fire was put out, cooling operations were carried out to ensure there was no risk of reignition. Fire officials conducted a preliminary inspection and indicated that an electrical short circuit was the likely cause, though a detailed technical assessment may follow.
Concerned department officials later visited the site and reviewed the damage. Further documentation and reports are expected to be prepared for insurance and safety compliance purposes.
Safety reminder for commercial units
Officials said the incident highlights the importance of regular electrical maintenance and safety checks in small commercial establishments, especially those operating multiple electronic devices and backup power systems.
Shop owners have been advised to ensure proper wiring, certified electrical fittings, and protective circuit breakers to reduce the risk of such fires. Installation of basic fire extinguishers and smoke alerts has also been recommended.
The affected service centre is expected to remain closed until debris is cleared and safety clearance is obtained.