A devastating fire broke out at Shiv Shakti Textile Market in Surat on Wednesday morning, gutting nearly half the stores and forcing emergency responders to battle towering flames using hydraulic platforms, officials confirmed. The unstable structure has made firefighting efforts extremely challenging.
Firefighters Struggle Amid Intense Heat
Chief Fire Officer Basant Kumar Parikh highlighted the difficulties faced by firefighters, saying, “The temperature inside is extremely high because of the large amount of stored material. We received the first call at 8 AM yesterday. Due to the building's unstable structure, we are using hydraulic platforms to douse the fire from outside.”
Despite continuous efforts, the fire is yet to be fully brought under control, with thick smoke billowing from the market area.
Area Sealed Off, Shops Closed for Safety
Deputy Commissioner of Police Bhagirath Gadhavi assured that strict safety measures are in place:
- Area cordoned off to prevent public movement
- 800 shops shut down to prevent further damage
- Surrounding markets closed as a precaution
- Heavy police deployment to control traffic and ensure safety
"Fire brigade teams are working tirelessly to control the blaze. We have sealed the area, evacuated people, and are ensuring the safety of nearby shops,” DCP Gadhavi told ANI.
