Major fire erupts in Chandigarh Sector 22 mobile market, no casualties but heavy damage reported

A major fire broke out in Chandigarh’s busy Sector 22 mobile market on Wednesday afternoon, causing panic among shopkeepers and visitors. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far, but the blaze has caused heavy damage to several shops and goods.

The incident took place in Chandigarh, one of the country’s well-planned cities. The fire reportedly started on the first floor of a mobile shop named ‘Ad’s Mobile’ and quickly spread to nearby stores. The situation became serious within minutes due to the presence of electronic items and flammable materials.

The market is located close to the Inter State Bus Terminus Sector 17, which is a very crowded area. Because of this, a large number of people were present when the fire started, leading to chaos and fear.

How the fire spread

According to fire department officials, the blaze spread rapidly because of items commonly found in mobile shops. These include lithium-ion batteries, air conditioner compressors, and other electronic components. Some of these items exploded during the fire, making the situation more dangerous.

The explosions, especially from AC compressors, helped the flames move quickly from one shop to another. Thick black smoke filled the area, making it difficult for firefighters to enter the buildings and control the fire.

At least five fire tenders were sent to the spot as soon as the fire was reported. Firefighters worked continuously to bring the situation under control. However, the narrow lanes and dense structure of the market created major challenges for emergency teams.

The presence of a large crowd also made rescue and firefighting operations difficult. Many shop owners and local people gathered near the site, trying to see what was happening or save their belongings. Police had to step in to control the crowd and clear the area so that fire engines could move freely.

Officials also feared the possibility of gas cylinder explosions, which could have made the situation worse. As a precaution, nearby areas were evacuated, and people were asked to stay away from the site.

Recurring safety concerns

The Sector 22 mobile market is one of the oldest and busiest commercial areas in Chandigarh. It has more than 100 shops dealing in mobile phones, accessories, and electronic goods. Due to high business activity, shops often store large amounts of materials, many of which are flammable.

This is not the first time such a fire has occurred in the area. Over the years, several similar incidents have been reported, raising serious questions about fire safety measures in the market.

In April 2025, a fire broke out in a showroom complex in the same area, trapping people on upper floors. They had to be rescued using ladders. In September 2019, another major fire damaged a multi-storey building, and firefighters faced difficulty due to blocked entry points.

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Earlier incidents in 2018 and 2015 also caused heavy damage to shops and goods. One of the most tragic cases happened in 2009, when four people lost their lives due to suffocation after a fire in a digital lab.

In almost all these cases, authorities pointed out common problems that make firefighting difficult. One major issue is illegal encroachments. Many shopkeepers extend their displays outside their shops, blocking pathways meant for emergency vehicles.

Another problem is haphazard parking. Since the market is close to the main bus stand, vehicles are often parked randomly, creating traffic jams. This delays the arrival of fire tenders during emergencies.

Lack of proper fire exits is also a serious concern. Many old buildings in the market do not have enough emergency exits. In some past incidents, people had to break windows to escape from smoke-filled rooms.

Fire officials have repeatedly warned about these risks, but little improvement has been seen over the years. The latest incident once again highlights the need for strict safety rules and better planning in crowded commercial areas.

Authorities are expected to investigate the exact cause of the fire once the situation is fully under control. They may also review safety measures in the market to prevent such incidents in the future.

For now, the focus remains on controlling the fire and ensuring the safety of people in the area. While it is a relief that no lives were lost, the damage to property and the repeated occurrence of such incidents serve as a strong reminder of the importance of fire safety.

In conclusion, the fire in Sector 22 mobile market shows how quickly a small incident can turn into a major disaster, especially in crowded places with poor safety arrangements. It also underlines the urgent need for awareness, better infrastructure, and strict enforcement of safety rules to protect lives and property.