Delhi Shastri Nagar fire: Stone pelting, chaos and massive losses as fire engulfs furniture market

The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) not only battled a massive fire at a furniture market in northeast Delhi’s Shastri Park but also faced angry locals who alleged a delayed response, claiming the initial deployment of just two fire engines was inadequate.

The incident led to several shops being gutted and losses worth lakhs of rupees, while firefighting operations continued through the night. No casualties were reported, officials confirmed.

Fire breaks out near metro station

According to DFS officials, the fire broke out at a furniture market near the New Seelampur metro station late on Friday night and spread quickly due to the presence of highly inflammable materials such as wooden furniture and plywood.

A DFS official told PTI that the fire call was received at 11.57 pm, following which fire tenders were immediately dispatched. The blaze was later categorised as a medium-level fire.

Officials said nearly 25 to 26 fire tenders were deployed to bring the situation under control.

Stone pelting reported during firefighting operation

At around 12.50 am, police assistance was sought after some members of the public allegedly pelted stones at fire tenders during the operation.

The DFS rejected allegations of delayed response raised by locals.

However, some residents claimed that fire tenders reached nearly an hour after the fire broke out at around 11.15 pm. A local resident told PTI that by the time firefighters arrived, only two fire engines were present and the market had already suffered extensive damage.

He also said that around 20 shops remained after the fire, adding that traders suffered heavy losses ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

Cause of fire under investigation

Officials said the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Cooling operations are currently underway at the site.