Firecracker Sparks Devastating Blaze at Ara Home Furnishing Shop, Causing Rs 20 Lakh Loss
A late-night fire on Sunday engulfed a popular home furnishing shop on Jail Road in Ara, under the Town police station area, resulting in the destruction of goods valued at approximately Rs 20 lakh. The blaze, which broke out around 8:45 PM, is believed to have been ignited by sparks from firecrackers set off by a passing wedding procession.
Intense Firefighting Efforts Prevent Further Damage
Four fire tenders were immediately dispatched to the scene, where firefighters and local residents worked tirelessly to control the flames. After significant efforts, the fire was successfully extinguished, preventing it from spreading to the lower section of the shop. Uday Shankar Yadav, a fire brigade personnel involved in the operation, reported that the upper storey of the shop was the first to catch fire, but quick action contained the damage.
Shop Owner Describes Total Loss of Inventory
Deepak Kumar, the owner of the 30-year-old establishment, expressed his distress, stating that he received the alarming news about the fire engulfing his shop. He lamented that the entire stock, including bedsheets, blankets, pillows, and various other home furnishing items, was completely reduced to ashes. The incident has left him facing substantial financial setbacks.
Political Leader Calls for Compensation and Support
Amit Kumar Gupta, a CPI(ML) leader and former ward councillor, visited the site and emphasized the shop's long-standing reputation in the community. He urged the local administration to provide adequate compensation to Deepak Kumar in accordance with legal provisions, highlighting the severe losses incurred due to the fire.
Community and Authorities Rally in Aftermath
The incident has drawn attention to fire safety concerns in the area, with locals and officials collaborating to manage the emergency. The swift response from the fire department and community members helped mitigate potential further destruction, underscoring the importance of coordinated efforts in such crises.
