Massive fire engulfs three shops in Dewas Naka area

Indore: Three shops were reduced to ashes after a massive fire broke out in Dewas Naka area under Lasudia police station limits in the early hours of Wednesday.Firefighters reached the spot and managed to control the blaze after intensive efforts.Fire department officials said, a call was received by 3:45 am. Upon arrival, teams found that the fire had started in a tyre shop and a garage, quickly spreading to adjacent structures. The flames were so intense they could be seen from a significant distance.Firefighters had to break open the shutters of the shops to gain entry, as the owners were not present at that time. It took more than 20,000 liters of water to extinguish the flames and prevent further spread to the densely packed commercial area.The blaze resulted in heavy financial losses to three shop owners, Mohammad Akbar, Narendra and Jitendra Gajraj, whose establishments were located side-by-side. Everything inside the shops was gutted. The owners were conducting a assessment to estimate the total monetary value of the damage.Preliminary investigation by fire officials suggested that a short circuit as a primary cause of the incident. High-tension electricity lines passing near the shops are also suspected to have triggered the spark, allowing the fire to take a formidable form.