Four shops were gutted in a major fire that broke out near Pattalam market in the heart of Thrissur city on Friday.
The fire broke out in a vehicle workshop near the Pattalam market. The market has over 100 shops dealing in spare parts for used vehicles.
A pile of used tyres caught fire. The thick smoke made rescue operations by the Fire and Rescue Services difficult.
Ten units of Fire and Rescue Services from various parts of the district were pressed into service.
They controlled the fire from spreading to more shops, averting a major disaster.
A spark from the electric line in the area caused the fire, according to an eyewitness.