Devastating Fire Engulfs Multi-Storey Building in Chattogram

A severe fire broke out at a multi-storey building in the bustling district of Chattogram’s Chawk Bazar on Thursday, 18 December. The blaze erupted at approximately 10:15 a.m. at the Syed Chan Mia Tower, located near Telapatti Crossing, quickly enveloping the area in thick smoke and sparking panic among residents and shopkeepers.

According to Chattogram Fire Service officials, the fire appears to have originated in a two-storey section of the market within the tower. Initial attempts by local residents to extinguish the flames using available resources proved ineffective due to the rapid spread of the fire. Within minutes, the smoke had shrouded the surrounding streets, causing considerable disruption and forcing people to evacuate the vicinity.

Two units of the Chattogram Fire Service promptly arrived at the scene and, after a concerted effort lasting roughly thirty minutes, successfully brought the fire under control. Preliminary investigations suggest that the flames may have been triggered by a nearby heap of waste materials. The inferno caused significant damage to furniture and stock within several shops, though, fortunately, no casualties were reported.

Local witnesses described the scene as “chaotic and terrifying,” with thick plumes of smoke reducing visibility and sending shoppers fleeing for safety. Fire officers warned that improperly stored combustible materials such as waste or old furniture pose a severe risk, particularly in densely populated market areas like Chawk Bazar.

Authorities have stressed the importance of heightened fire safety measures, including regular fire drills and community awareness programmes. While the prompt response by the Fire Service averted a potential catastrophe, the incident has highlighted the vulnerability of multi-storey commercial buildings in the area.

Incident Overview :

Local business owners have called for stricter regulations regarding waste management and fire prevention, emphasising that the incident could have escalated into a major disaster if it had occurred during peak hours. Fire Service officials reiterated that the rapid containment was due to immediate reporting and the coordinated efforts of their teams.

This fire serves as a stark reminder of the persistent risk of urban fires in crowded commercial areas. Residents and shopkeepers are urged to remain vigilant and ensure compliance with safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.