A major fire that broke out at Mansur Khan Plaza in Old Dhaka’s Chawkbazar on Monday afternoon was brought under control after a 12-hour effort as the officials said on Tuesday morning. Four firefighters were injured while tackling the blaze.
The Fire Service received the call at 5:04 PM on Monday and deployed six units to the scene. The fire was contained by 5:20 AM on Tuesday. Officials said the sixth floor which housed 12 to 14 warehouses containing cosmetics, perfumes and umbrellas, suffered the worst damage while the seventh floor sustained minor impact. Ground operations prevented the flames from spreading to adjacent densely packed markets.
Fire Service and Civil Defence Assistant Director Kazi Nazmuzaman stated that narrow roads, severe traffic congestion, a lack of local water sources and heavily locked shutter doors hindered operations. Firefighters had to work in short 15-to-20-minute rotations due to intense heat and heavy smoke.
While active flames are extinguished, six units remain on-site clearing fire-damaged goods to prevent trapped heat from reigniting the blaze. Market volunteers, local police and WASA supported the 150 personnel involved in the emergency response.
The cause of the fire and total financial losses are under investigation. A probe committee will be formed shortly. Fire officials urged city authorities to widen narrow lanes in commercial zones and install fire hydrants connected to the city water supply to improve future emergency responses.
