A fire that broke out in two buildings in Dhaka’s Chawkbazar area was brought under control after nearly an hour and a half, authorities reported on Monday. The blaze was extinguished at 6 pm, according to Anwarul Islam, an official from the media cell of the Fire Service headquarters.
Seven units from the Lalbagh, Palashi, and Siddikbazar Fire Stations participated in the firefighting operation. Their prompt response helped prevent more extensive damage. However, the cause of the fire and the total losses have not yet been determined. A dedicated Fire Service investigation team has begun a detailed inquiry.
The first building affected by the fire was three storeys high. The ground floor housed a lentil storage and milling facility, the second floor served as staff accommodation, and the third floor contained a luggage fittings workshop. The second building, with two storeys, included a workshop on the ground floor and offices on the upper floor.
The Fire Service received the initial alert at 4:42 pm. Four units arrived first and began firefighting, followed by three additional units, which helped bring the situation under control efficiently.
Earlier on the same day, at 3:40 pm, another fire broke out at a six-storey residential building in Jahuri Mohalla, Mohammadpur. Two units responded and managed to contain the fire by 4:25 pm, preventing injuries and major damage.
A summary of the two incidents is provided below:
| Location | Time Alert Received | Units Deployed | Outcome | Building Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chawkbazar | 4:42 pm | 7 | Fire controlled at 6 pm | First building: 3 storeys; lentil mill, staff quarters, workshop. Second building: 2 storeys; workshop and offices |
| Jahuri Mohalla, Mohammadpur | 3:40 pm | 2 | Fire controlled at 4:25 pm | Six-storey residential building |
Fire Service officials emphasised that rapid mobilisation and coordinated action were key to preventing further damage in both incidents. Residents in the affected areas were evacuated as a precaution, and no casualties have been reported so far.
Authorities continue to urge building owners to adhere to fire safety regulations, maintain proper electrical wiring, and ensure easy access for emergency services to prevent such incidents in the future.