Overview
- The fire erupted around 7:30 p.m. in timber yards near Pul Patra bridge, sending flames and smoke visible for kilometres.
- Officials deployed roughly 20–25 tenders, including water bowsers and foam units, as stacked logs and wind complicated containment.
- Police sealed off about a one‑kilometre radius, diverted traffic, and railway authorities cut power near the main station as a precaution.
- Multiple sawmills and two furniture showrooms were damaged and at least five shops were reported gutted, with losses still being assessed.
- The cause remains under investigation, with possibilities such as arson or an electrical fault not ruled out, and owners citing large timber stocks on site.