A devastating fire at Birasar Market in Kolkata’s Burrabazar area early Thursday morning, May 14, 2026, razed down 25 shops, causing an estimated Tk1 crore (Tk10 million) loss. No one was injured, but local traders face huge challenges to rebuild amid rising fears for safety.
Causes of Fire and Initial Response
Fire officials attributed the cause to a short-circuit in an electrical panel at Shop No. 12, which was fuelled by stored flammable goods like textiles and plastics. Fire at 2.30 am took 20 min to reach the narrow lanes, which blocked fire tenders for a 5,000 sq ft area
Ten fire engines were called to battle the blaze for three hours, and the fire was under control by 5:45 AM. Kolkata Fire Services (KFS) confirmed no casualties but said illegal wiring and overcrowding were major aggravators. Eyewitnesses said sparks flew from overloaded meters – a common sight in the 100-year-old market.
Mayor Firhad Hakim announces Tk50 lakh immediate relief; forensic probe on, results by May 20
Damage Assessment: Tk 1 crore loss breakdown
Shops gutted 25 (Textiles 15, Electronics 8, Grocery 2).
- Loss: Complete Tk1 crore Inventory Tk60 lakh, Structures Tk30 lakh, Machinery Tk10 lakh.
Impact on business: 50 families affected; prime summer sales season lost. Top officers:
- Rajesh Textiles (loss Tk 25 lakh), Gupta Electronics (Tk 15 lakh).
- Insurance companies were filed for 18 shops and payouts are expected within 30 days. Market association calls for a government aid package.
“Kolkata’s markets have 40% sprinklers and 60% outdated wiring (KFS 2025 audit),” Birasar said. Safety issues for local businesses. Risk – Godown encroachments increase risk, crowding (1.5x capacity).
Birasar Classes:
- 35% of Kolkata fires are from short circuits (KFS data)
- 70% of Burrabazar shops lack fire exits.
- Traffic/access delays for narrow access tenders.
How to improve fire safety in business?
Prevention guide: Step-by-step
Audit wiring: employ licensed electrician; change panels every 5 years (cost: Tk5,000-10,000).
- Installation Basics Smoke detectors Tk2,000 each Fire extinguishers Tk3,000 Sprinklers Tk20,000 (for 1,000 sq ft)
- 2 marked fire exits Flammables should be stored in metal cabinets
Train Staff: Monthly drills, KFS approval for occupancy.
Insurance Check Updated with fire clause policies of Tk1 lakh+ cover
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Example Costs for Small Shop (500 sq ft):
| Item | Cost (Tk) | Lifespan |
| Wiring Upgrade | 15,000 | 10 yrs |
| 4 Extinguishers | 12,000 | 5 yrs |
| Detectors + Alarms | 8,000 | 7 yrs |
| Total | 35,000 | – |
Govt subsidies via MSME scheme cover 25%. Birasar traders plan collective audit.
Latest Updates & Next Steps (May 14, 2026)
- Market reopening. Partial by 20 May. Full by 1 June.
- FIR against electrician; probe of 50 markets in safety drive
- Victim Aid: Tk10,000/ shop as interim relief, low-interest loans announced
- Businesses: Post photos/picslips for claim help. KMC wants audits by June 15, failing which it will penalise.
