A major fire broke out at the Market Building, one of Bhubaneswar’s busiest commercial hubs, early on Monday morning, causing extensive damage to several shops. The fire, which reportedly started around 5:00 AM, spread rapidly before firefighters managed to bring the situation under control.

According to officials, the blaze initially engulfed a cloth shop before quickly spreading to nearby establishments. Firefighters rushed to the scene and deployed three water tankers to douse the flames. After several hours of firefighting efforts, the fire was successfully brought under control.

Initial reports suggested that more than eight shops had caught fire. However, as the situation became clearer, officials indicated that over 20 shops were affected by the blaze. Goods stored inside the shops were completely destroyed, reducing inventories and property to ashes.

The thick black smoke rising from the commercial complex triggered panic among local residents and shopkeepers, many of whom gathered at the spot soon after learning about the incident. Fire and emergency personnel worked continuously to prevent the flames from spreading to adjoining shops.

Authorities suspect that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit, although the exact cause has not yet been confirmed. Officials have stated that the reason behind the fire will only be established after a detailed investigation.

As a precautionary measure, nearby shops were secured to prevent the blaze from spreading further. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of any casualties or injuries.

The exact extent of the financial losses is yet to be assessed. Officials from the Fire Services Department have launched an investigation into the incident, and a comprehensive damage assessment will be carried out once the affected area is declared completely safe.

The incident has once again raised concerns over fire safety measures in crowded commercial markets, highlighting the need for regular electrical inspections and improved emergency preparedness.

Massive Blaze Devours Subash Super Mart: 12-Hour Firefighting Battle in Bhubaneswar

OdishaConnect — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 07:25:12 +0000

A massive fire tore through Subash Super Mart in Lingipur late last night, triggering one of the most intense firefighting operations the capital has witnessed in recent years. The blaze, which erupted around 9:00 PM, has continued to burn for over 12 hours, with thick smoke engulfing the surrounding skyline.

Blaze Erupts Late Night, Rages Into Morning

The fire broke out at approximately 9:00 PM at Subash Super Mart in the Lingipur area, quickly escalating into a full-scale emergency. Within minutes, towering flames and dense plumes of acrid smoke were visible from several kilometres away, causing panic among nearby residents.

Despite sustained efforts through the night, the inferno has proven difficult to control, with officials describing it as a “stubborn and complex” operation.

Gruelling Battle for Firefighters

More than 30 fire engines from the Odisha Fire Service have been deployed to the scene. Firefighters have been working non-stop, battling extreme heat, smoke, and structural instability.

Sources at the site said many personnel are physically exhausted after hours of relentless effort. In a high-risk manoeuvre, heavy cranes were brought in to partially demolish exterior walls of the building, enabling water cannons to directly target the core of the blaze.

“The presence of plastics and other highly flammable stock has turned the mall into a furnace,” a senior fire official said. “As soon as we control one section, flames flare up in another.”

Combustible Materials Fuel Intensity

The supermarket reportedly stored large quantities of plastic goods, packaging materials, and other combustible stock. These materials have significantly intensified the fire, making containment extremely challenging.

Officials noted that trapped heat and smouldering embers inside the structure continue to reignite flames even after repeated water dousing.

Nearby Warehouse Under Threat

Authorities are racing against time to protect an adjacent clothing warehouse, which now faces a serious threat from the spreading fire. Emergency teams are attempting to create a firebreak to prevent the flames from jumping to the neighbouring structure.

If the blaze spreads further, officials warn the situation could escalate dramatically, compounding both the physical and economic damage.

Cause Under Investigation

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Fire and police officials have stated that a detailed investigation will be launched once the flames are fully contained and the site is declared safe.

Economic Impact Likely to Be Severe

While no casualties have been officially confirmed so far, the financial losses are expected to be substantial. Subash Super Mart was a major commercial hub in the area, and the destruction of stock, infrastructure, and equipment could result in significant economic fallout.

As emergency services continue their uphill struggle, the city watches anxiously, hoping for swift containment of the devastating blaze.

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