Khagrachhari, gutting 14 business establishments. The affected shops included shoe stores, food hotels, cosmetics, clothing stores, grocery shops, and a gold shop.
The fire started in a shop in front of the market mosque and spread rapidly. Despite two fire service units arriving at the scene, they were unable to effectively combat the flames due to a critical shortage of water sources.
For about an hour, the fire raged uncontrolled, with locals fearing it would spread to nearby residential homes. However, heavy rainfall started shortly after the fire began. This providential downpour was instrumental in bringing the fire under control. Subsequently, with the help of locals, the army, and the fire service, the flames were completely extinguished.
Fire service officials cited the hilly terrain, narrow roads, and speed breakers as causes for their delayed arrival. They confirmed that a water tanker was dispatched from a neighboring upazila, but by then, the rain had already done the job. The cause of the fire and the exact extent of the damage are under investigation.
