Major Fire Engulfs Kabaddi Market in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad : Late at night, a massive fire erupted at the Kabaddi market in Mirzapur, Ahmedabad, engulfing the area in flames and causing significant damage. The fire, reportedly fueled by nearby firecrackers, spread rapidly through the scrap market, leading to the mobilization of extensive firefighting resources. Although the blaze caused substantial property damage, no casualties were reported.

According to the Ahmedabad Fire Brigade, a call was received around 1:00 a.m., alerting the control room to a fire at the Jaihind Kabaddi market. Initially, five fire trucks were dispatched to the scene; however, upon arrival, it became evident that the fire had already spread extensively, reaching old vehicles and various market shops. The flames were so fierce that more than half of the Kabaddi market was ultimately consumed by the fire.

The fire department acted promptly, with water cannons deployed to suppress the flames. However, the blaze continued to spread, prompting the fire brigade to escalate their response. A total of 21 vehicles were eventually called to the scene, and over 100 firefighters, including eight senior officers and the Chief Fire Officer, worked tirelessly throughout the night to control the situation.

Sparks from the fire even ignited a smaller blaze in a nearby building, adding to the chaos. Firefighters managed to bring this secondary fire under control quickly, preventing further spread. Nevertheless, due to the flammable nature of materials in the Kabaddi market, including old vehicles and other combustible items, the flames kept reigniting, requiring repeated dousing efforts.

It took nearly five hours for the firefighting team to bring the blaze under control. Approximately four to five lakh liters of water were used throughout the night, as firefighters conducted cooling operations to prevent any potential flare-ups. By early morning, the fire was fully extinguished, and a thorough inspection was carried out to ensure the safety of surrounding areas.

Initial assessments suggest that the fire may have been caused by firecrackers, which are commonly used in Diwali celebrations and were likely in proximity to flammable materials. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.

The incident in Ahmedabad reflects a broader trend of increased fire incidents during Diwali across Gujarat. In Surat, for example, the fire department responded to 90 fire calls due to Diwali festivities. Notably, a fire in Varachha’s Rachna Society occurred when sparks from firecrackers ignited a mobile cover warehouse, creating chaos until firefighters from three different stations managed to bring the fire under control.

Similarly, Vadodara’s Fire and Emergency Service handled 21 fire-related calls overnight, including a significant incident in a tobacco factory in Koyli, where four vehicles were destroyed. In addition to this, Vadodara firefighters responded to fires in garbage heaps, homes, and a few short-circuit incidents.

These incidents underscore the heightened risk of fires during Diwali, especially in areas where firecrackers are used near flammable materials. Authorities urge the public to exercise caution when handling firecrackers and to keep a safe distance from buildings, vehicles, and other flammable items. Fire departments across the state remain on high alert during the festive season, prepared to respond swiftly to any emergencies.