Massive fire engulfs Surat textile market; over 20 fire tenders deployed

Surat: A major fire broke out at the Shyam Sangini Textile Market in Surat's Saroli area early Wednesday, triggering a large-scale firefighting operation. More than 20 fire brigade vehicles were deployed as firefighters battled intense flames and thick smoke on the upper floors of the market.

The fire control room received an emergency call at around 12:52 am, following which fire tenders from three nearby fire stations were rushed to the spot.

Fourth, fifth floors engulfed in flames

Firefighters arriving at the market found the fourth and fifth floors engulfed in flames, with dense smoke severely restricting visibility inside the building.

A major fire call was subsequently declared and additional firefighting units were brought in from other parts of Surat to strengthen the operation.

Surat Municipal Corporation Chief Fire Officer Basant Parikh said around 20-22 fire tenders had been deployed to control the blaze.

Hydraulic platforms used in firefighting

The height of the affected floors and the market's double-height design made the operation particularly challenging.

Firefighters used turntable ladders and hydraulic platforms to reach the upper floors. Parikh said the affected levels were effectively at a height of around 20 metres because of the building's double-height floors.

The thick smoke inside the market reduced visibility to almost zero, prompting firefighters to use breathing apparatus while entering the building.
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Textile stock adds to firefighting challenge

Large quantities of textile stock stored in passageways were reportedly affected by the blaze, adding to the intensity of the fire and making firefighting operations more difficult.

Electricity supply to the building was also disconnected as a precaution to prevent electrical hazards during the operation.
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No casualties reported

Officials said there were no reports of anyone being trapped inside the building and no casualties had been reported so far.

Firefighters continued efforts to bring the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading to other sections of the market or nearby areas.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established.