The fire at Khaddar Bazar Shopping Complex in Gulistan has been brought under control.
The blaze originated at around 5:28pm on Friday at a warehouse located on the rooftop of the six-storey commercial building, Fire Service sources said. The first firefighting team reached the spot – one of the capital’s busiest areas – within five minutes, at around 5:33pm, after receiving the alert.
A total of nine units from Siddik Bazar Fire Station worked to bring the blaze under control at 6:58pm, sources say.
The building caught fire at a separate under-construction structure on the rooftop of the sixth floor, which was being used as a warehouse for prayer mats, caps and panjabis. No injuries have been reported so far, Fire Service and Civil Defence Warehouse Inspector Anwarul Islam told TIMES of Bangladesh.
Concerns had mounted as the warehouse is located on the upper floor of the commercial building, raising the risk of the blaze spreading rapidly.
Thick black smoke engulfed Zero Point and adjacent areas of Gulistan, spreading fear among traders and customers at the lower-floor markets, who rushed out of the building.
According to the Fire Service control room, firefighters initially faced difficulties securing water sources due to the congested nature of the area and heavy crowds on the roads, but efforts were continuing at full capacity.
No casualties had been reported as of the latest update, while the cause of the fire and the extent of damage could not be confirmed immediately, the Fire Service said.
People have been moved to a safe distance from neighbouring buildings.
