Ghaziabad, October 7: The fires erupt at Vishal Mega Mart and other shops in two separate incidents shocked residents early Monday morning. Ghaziabad, a busy city in Uttar Pradesh, experienced two major fire breakouts within hours of each other. Fortunately, no one suffered injuries, although the property loss was heavy.
The first fire started at Vishal Mega Mart in Sanjay Nagar Sector 23 around 3:15 AM. The store, known for selling clothes, electronics, and groceries, caught fire because of a short circuit on the second floor. Thick smoke filled the building and made it hard for firefighters to move inside.
Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Rahul Pal said the fire control team acted immediately after receiving the emergency call. A fire truck from Kotwali Station reached the location within minutes, and additional teams soon joined as the flames spread quickly. In total, six fire trucks worked together to bring the situation under control. Firefighters surrounded the building from three sides, broke glass windows to release the smoke, and entered to fight the fire directly.
The operation lasted more than four hours. Despite thick smoke and extreme heat, the team managed to stop the flames from reaching nearby shops and homes. CFO Pal added that three tenders from Kotwali, one from Vaishali, and one from Sahibabad worked side by side. Their teamwork and quick coordination helped end the fire before dawn.
Around 1:30 AM, another fire broke out in two shops opposite Krishna Apra Garden Saya Society in Indirapuram. These shops, K2 Degree Fast Food and Goli Vada Pav, caught fire suddenly while workers were cleaning up.
The officer-in-charge from Vaishali Fire Station led the response with two fire tankers. Firefighters acted fast and extinguished the flames before they spread further. Although both shops suffered losses, everyone escaped safely. Residents nearby thanked the firefighters for their timely response and courage.
Authorities have started investigating both cases to find the exact reasons behind the fires. Early reports suggest that faulty wiring and electrical overloads might have triggered the incidents. Officials urged shop owners to check electrical systems regularly to avoid such dangers.
Experts say that cities like Ghaziabad face higher fire risks because of dense populations, overused power lines, and poor electrical maintenance. To reduce these risks, safety officers are encouraging businesses to install smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and automatic alarms in every building.
Moreover, many residents believe that fire awareness campaigns can make a real difference. Simple safety steps—like turning off electricity before closing shops and checking old cables, can save both lives and property. Schools, business groups, and community leaders are planning fire safety workshops to teach preventive methods.
The courage and discipline of the firefighters prevented a major tragedy. Their prompt action not only saved lives but also protected nearby properties. The community praised their bravery and called for better preparedness and safety training across the city.
In conclusion, the fires erupt at Vishal Mega Mart and other shops highlight the urgent need for fire safety and awareness in Ghaziabad. The quick action of firefighters prevented a disaster, but the incidents remind everyone to stay careful, follow safety guidelines, and work together for a safer future.