Lucknow: A massive fire that broke out in three shops in the Barigawan area of Krishna Nagar early Thursday triggered panic among residents as flames and thick smoke engulfed the establishments and threatened nearby properties and parked vehicles.Fire officials received information about the blaze around 2.28 am. On the directions of the chief fire officer, fire tenders from Alambagh and Sarojini Nagar fire stations were rushed to the spot. As the intensity of the fire became apparent and the risk of it spreading to adjoining shops increased, additional fire tenders were requisitioned from Hazratganj and PGI fire stations. In all, four fire tenders and a First Quick Response Vehicle (FQRV) were deployed for the operation.Firefighters began efforts to contain the blaze using two hose pipes while flames continued to surge inside the shops. The operation was complicated by the proximity of other commercial establishments and two-wheelers parked outside, raising concerns that the fire could spread rapidly along the row of shops.To access the affected premises, the firefighting team used specialised equipment to cut open shutters and locks of two adjoining shops. After creating an entry point, personnel moved inside and continued dousing operations from within, enabling them to target the seat of the fire more effectively.After sustained efforts, the fire was brought under control. Officials said three scooters parked outside the shops were rescued before the flames could reach them, preventing additional losses.The fire department reported extensive damage at Shivay Automobile, where automobile spare parts and other stored materials were gutted. Goods and equipment at Diamond Restaurant and Batra Bhojanalaya were also destroyed. Batra Bhojanalaya is owned by Pushpendra Singh Batra.No cause has been confirmed so far. Fire officials said an assessment of financial losses is underway and an investigation will determine what triggered the blaze.
