A fire gutted four shops, including a hardware store and three furniture outlets, at Lahuria Market in Lohagara upazila of Narail early Friday, causing losses estimated at around Tk13 lakh.
The blaze broke out at around 3:00am at Sotota Furniture and Hardware, owned by Md Bokul Sheikh, reportedly from an electrical short circuit, according to fire service officials and locals.
The fire quickly spread to nearby shops, including Ekota Furniture owned by Md Faruk Biswas.
Announcements were made through the loudspeaker of a nearby mosque after the fire broke out, prompting local traders and residents to rush to the spot and help contain the flames.
A team from Lohagara Fire Service later reached the area and brought the blaze under control after about an hour with support from local people.
Md Bokul Sheikh said both his furniture and hardware shops were destroyed in the fire, causing losses of around Tk10 lakh.
Ekota Furniture owner Md Faruk Biswas said two of his furniture shops were damaged, with losses estimated at around Tk3 lakh.
Lohagara Fire Service Station Officer Md Sohaguzzaman confirmed that the fire originated from an electrical short circuit.
He said one hardware shop was completely destroyed while two furniture shops were partially damaged.
The joint efforts of firefighters and local volunteers prevented the flames from spreading to other nearby business establishments, he added.
