Rourkela: A massive fire destroyed articles worth lakhs of rupees at a prominent retail store in Civil Township here on Friday. Five fire brigade teams, including four from Odisha Fire Service and one from Rourkela Steel Plant, were deployed to control the blaze.
The fire, which broke out in the ground floor of the establishment during morning hours, was noticed by locals who immediately alerted the store owner and fire department.
Initial investigations suggest that the fire originated from a short circuit in the distribution board. "The fire was triggered by a short circuit in a board inside the store," confirmed S Hasda, assistant fire officer, Rourkela fire station.
The incident has raised concerns about fire safety compliance as investigations revealed the store has been operating without a mandatory fire safety certificate. "We are inquiring into the matter," Hasda added.
The store, which has been in operation for several years, suffered extensive damage in the ground floor, though the first floor remained unaffected.