PROPERTY worth crores of rupees was destroyed after a massive fire broke out at the warehouse of an edible oil distributor in the Vyapar Vihar area here on Saturday morning. Fuelled by large quantities of stored oil, the blaze spread rapidly and intensified within minutes. The incident occurred around 9 am. Six fire tenders were pressed into service and the fire was brought under control after nearly six hours of intensive firefighting. To facilitate the operation, a portion of the warehouse wall had to be demolished.

 

The fire completely destroyed food oil stocks and other goods stored inside the warehouse. Preliminary investigations suggest that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze. Sources said the warehouse housed three large oil storage tanks and was also being used for packaging operations. According to regulations, such storage facilities are generally required to be located in designated industrial areas. Following the incident, Bilaspur Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Prakash Kumar Sarve ordered an inquiry into the matter. Vyapar Vihar is one of the major commercial hubs of Bilaspur division and is home to numerous warehouses and business establishments.

 

The affected premises was being used for both storage and packaging of edible oil. Warehouse owner Nimesh Agrawal said goods worth nearly Rs 2 crore were destroyed in the fire. A substantial stock of food oil was stored at the site when the blaze erupted. As thick plumes of smoke engulfed the area, traders and employees from nearby establishments rushed out, triggering panic among local residents and business owners.

 

Local traders have demanded the establishment of a dedicated fire station in the Vyapar Vihar area to ensure a quicker response during emergencies. BMC Commissioner Prakash Sarve said the firefighting operation was carried out with the cooperation of traders in the vicinity. He added that authorities would investigate whether the warehouse construction and packaging activities had received the necessary permissions from the concerned departments. "The large quantity of food oil stored in the warehouse caused the fire to spread rapidly," he said.