A devastating fire broke out at Dotma Bazaar in Kokrajhar district, Assam, on the evening of February 24, causing significant property damage. The blaze, which erupted at the residence of Manna Sarkar, a local small-scale businessman, resulted in the destruction of goods worth approximately ₹7 lakh.
Fire at Dotma Bazaar: Incident Details
The fire incident took place in Section 2 of Dotma Bazaar, where Manna Sarkar’s residence and storage area were located. Sarkar, who deals in plastic and steel furniture, lost a substantial portion of his stock in the fire.
Emergency Response and Fire Control Measures
Upon receiving the alert, local police officials responded immediately. Within 30 minutes, fire brigade personnel arrived at the scene, working swiftly to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further.
Due to the dense commercial nature of Dotma Bazaar, the fire could have escalated rapidly, causing extensive damage to nearby businesses and homes. However, the timely intervention of the fire department helped bring the situation under control.
Extent of Damage and Financial Losses
While no casualties or injuries were reported, the financial loss incurred by Manna Sarkar was severe. The fire completely destroyed his stockpile of:
- Plastic furniture
- Steel furniture
- Other household goods stored at his residence
The estimated damage from the fire is valued at ₹7 lakh, a major setback for the small-scale businessman.
Possible Cause of the Fire
Authorities are currently investigating the exact cause of the fire. However, initial reports suggest the possibility of:
- An electrical short circuit
- Accidental fire due to stored materials
Dotma Bazaar, being a busy market area, has multiple small businesses and storage units, increasing the risk of fire incidents due to high electrical load and flammable materials.
Fire Safety Concerns in Market Areas
The Dotma Bazaar fire has once again highlighted the importance of fire safety measures in market areas. Assam has witnessed multiple fire-related incidents in commercial zones, emphasizing the need for:
- Proper fire safety audits
- Installation of fire extinguishers in market areas
- Regular electrical maintenance to prevent short circuits
- Quick response teams for emergencies
Locals and Business Community React
Following the fire incident, local traders and residents expressed concerns over the lack of adequate fire safety measures in Dotma Bazaar. Many shopkeepers and business owners urged authorities to improve fire preparedness and provide compensation for affected traders.
A local shopkeeper stated:
“We need proper fire safety measures in the market. If the fire had spread, many more businesses would have suffered.”
Authorities’ Response and Future Precautions
Officials from the Kokrajhar district administration have taken note of the fire incident and are expected to conduct a detailed investigation. Steps are likely to be taken to enhance fire safety awareness among traders and implement preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future.
Key Preventive Measures for Market Areas
To prevent similar fire outbreaks in market areas like Dotma Bazaar, authorities should consider:
- Periodic electrical inspections to identify faulty wiring
- Awareness programs on fire safety for shopkeepers and residents
- Strict enforcement of fire safety regulations in commercial buildings
- Installation of fire hydrants and firefighting equipment at key locations
The fire at Dotma Bazaar in Assam’s Kokrajhar district has once again raised concerns about fire safety preparedness in commercial areas. While no lives were lost, the financial setback for businessman Manna Sarkar is major, highlighting the vulnerability of small traders to such disasters.
This incident serves as a wake-up call for authorities to implement stricter fire safety measures in market zones, ensuring the protection of lives and livelihoods. Marketplaces, especially those with dense commercial setups, must be equipped with fire safety infrastructure, including fire hydrants, extinguishers, and emergency response protocols. Additionally, regular electrical safety inspections should be enforced to prevent short circuits, which are often the leading cause of market fires.
Beyond government action, awareness among traders and shopkeepers is also crucial. Business owners must take responsibility for ensuring fire safety in their premises, including proper wiring, avoiding overloading of circuits, and storing flammable materials cautiously.
While the quick response of the fire brigade prevented a more severe catastrophe, this event underlines the need for better emergency preparedness. Authorities must work towards establishing a rapid-response fire safety system across Assam’s major markets, including Dotma Bazaar, to mitigate risks and reduce potential losses in future incidents.
If proactive steps are taken, such fire disasters can be minimized, safeguarding both businesses and communities. The economic and emotional toll of such incidents on small traders is immense, making it imperative for both government and citizens to work together in creating safer, more resilient marketplaces.
