Fire Guts Shanties in Kolkata’s Garden Reach on Christmas Day
The incident highlights recurring fire risks in crowded informal settlements.
Overview
- Seven fire engines responded after a blaze erupted around 4:30 p.m. in a garbage depot area of Garden Reach.
- Firefighters contained the flames after sustained efforts that stopped the fire from spreading to nearby areas.
- Officials reported no injuries or casualties, and an assessment of property damage is pending.
- Authorities said the cause is under investigation, with a short circuit cited as a preliminary possibility not yet confirmed.
- The fire follows a Dec. 17 slum blaze near Eco Park in New Town that required about 20 tenders and prolonged operations, underscoring persistent vulnerabilities.