The fire safety system of New Super Market, next to New Market in the capital, was very weak, Fire Service and Civil Defence director (training) Lieutenant Colonel Rezaul Karim has said.
Besides, the entire market was covered with the banners of the leaders who are vying for the upcoming election of the merchant association. And because of these banner festoons, the fire spread quickly in the market, he said while briefing the media on Saturday night.
Moreover, the false roof of the market and plastic items made the fire more flammable. Now it's time to be careful about these things and avoid them, the fire officer added.
"Though the fire could not be fully extinguished, we are not afraid of any major accident," he said. Twelve firefighting units are still working on the site.
Since the shutters of all the shops were closed and we are checking every shop very carefully, it will take time to douse the fire completely, he said.
Replying to a question, he said that most of the shops on the second and third floors were damaged. Around 250–300 shops have been affected by this devastating fire.
However, the exact number of shops can be determined by the City Corporation.
Earlier, the fire broke out around 5:40 am. The first firefighting unit reached the spot around 5:43 am.
A total of 28 firefighting units and teams of Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force took part in the effort to douse the fire.
The fire was brought under control around 9:10 am.
Meanwhile, 32 people, including firefighters, fell sick from the heavy smoke while firefighters were trying to douse the blaze.