Kanpur: A devastating fire tore through a temporary firecracker market at MG College ground in Fatehpur on Sunday, gutting more than 65 shops and destroying dozens of two-wheelers, officials and eyewitnesses said. Fireworks worth several crores of rupees were reduced to ashes, while several people sustained minor burn injuries in the chaotic blaze.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire broke out around 12:30 pm at one of the stalls, allegedly caused by a short-circuit. Within minutes, the blaze spread to adjacent stalls, all stocked with highly flammable fireworks, triggering a series of loud explosions that sent panic rippling through the market. Thick plumes of smoke enveloped the area as traders and shoppers scrambled to safety, many narrowly escaping with their lives.

Fatehpur Superintendent of Police, Anoop Kumar Singh, said that no casualties had been reported so far. “Our first priority is to bring the fire completely under control. The cause of the blaze is being investigated, and strict action will be taken against those found negligent,” he said.

Chief Fire Officer Jaiveer Singh described the rapid spread of the fire. “The blaze engulfed the entire market within 15 to 20 minutes. Around 65-70 shops and over two dozen two-wheelers have been completely gutted. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported,” he said. Firefighters worked with sand, buckets of water, and extinguishers to contain the fire, battling both the flames and the explosions caused by the combustible merchandise.

Several vendors and shopkeepers alleged delays in the fire department’s response. “The temporary market had only started operations half an hour earlier. Within 15 minutes, everything was gone. We barely managed to escape with our lives,” said Satish, a local trader. Another shopkeeper, who had invested ₹8 lakh into her stall, expressed her despair as all her merchandise was destroyed in the blaze.

The incident has sparked criticism of the response time, as the fire station was reportedly just 200 metres away from the market. BJP district president Mukhlal Pal called the incident “unfortunate” and demanded accountability for the alleged delay.

District Magistrate Ravindra Singh, who arrived at the scene along with the SP, announced that an inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the fire and to assess the total losses. “Strict action will be taken against those found negligent,” he said, while authorities assured all possible assistance to the affected shopkeepers.

The Fatehpur firecracker market is one of the key hubs for festive fireworks sales ahead of Diwali. The destruction of such a large number of stalls not only represents a significant financial loss for traders but also disrupts the local supply of fireworks for the festival season. Authorities are now reviewing safety measures and compliance standards for temporary firecracker markets to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Officials have also urged vendors to adhere strictly to safety regulations, particularly regarding electrical wiring and fire safety equipment, highlighting the highly combustible nature of fireworks. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with firecracker markets, especially during the busy Diwali season when temporary markets are set up with dense clusters of explosive goods.

As the inquiry proceeds, affected traders are seeking compensation and support from the administration. Meanwhile, local authorities have urged residents to exercise caution around firecracker markets, emphasizing safety amid the festive rush.