KKN Gurugram Desk | A major fire broke out late Thursday evening at a popular saree shop located in the Katra Asharfi area of Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi. According to the Delhi Fire Services (DFS), the fire gutted stock worth several lakhs of rupees, primarily expensive sarees stored on the upper floors of the building.

While no injuries or fatalities were reported, the incident raised fresh concerns about fire safety in densely populated market areas of the national capital. Preliminary investigations suggest a short circuit may have triggered the fire.

Incident Timeline: How the Fire Unfolded

Date: May 29, 2025

 Time of Alert: 8:36 PM IST

 Location: Katra Asharfi, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi

According to Atul Garg, Director of Delhi Fire Services, the emergency call was received at 8:36 PM, after which seven fire tenders were immediately dispatched to the location. The fire had already engulfed the second and third floors of the saree showroom by the time firefighters arrived.

Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly an hour and successfully contained it by 9:45 PM.

Property Damage: Losses Run Into Lakhs

The store, known for its high-end bridal and designer sarees, had stock valued in lakhs of rupees. The majority of the damage occurred on the second and third floors, where large volumes of silk, banarasi, and embroidered sarees were stored.

“The fire consumed the entire upper floor inventory. We estimate losses above ₹25–30 lakh, though an official valuation is still pending,” said a local shopkeeper familiar with the establishment.

Cause of Fire: Short Circuit Suspected

Initial findings from DFS officials indicate the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit. Chandni Chowk, being one of Delhi’s oldest commercial zones, is known for aging infrastructure, including overloaded wiring systems and unregulated electrical appliances.

“We found evidence pointing toward faulty wiring on the upper floor. However, a full forensic fire report is being compiled to confirm the exact cause,” a DFS official told KKNLive.

No Injuries or Fatalities Reported

Despite the intensity of the fire, no casualties or injuries were reported. This was largely due to the quick response by the Delhi Fire Services and swift evacuation efforts by nearby shopkeepers and local residents.

The shop had closed for the day at 8 PM, just minutes before the fire broke out, which significantly helped minimize human risk.

Fire Safety Lapses in Old Delhi Markets

This incident once again highlights serious fire safety violations in Old Delhi’s commercial districts, particularly:

• Lack of fire exits

• Poor building ventilation

• Outdated electrical wiring

• Absence of in-house fire extinguishing systems

 Fire Incidents in Chandni Chowk – A Recurring Concern

Over the past decade, Chandni Chowk has witnessed over 15 significant fire incidents, with the most devastating being the Bhagirath Palace fire in 2022, which destroyed dozens of shops.

Despite repeated warnings and inspections, enforcement of building codes and fire regulations remains lax.

Delhi Fire Services – Quick Response, Effective Action

The Delhi Fire Services continues to be a crucial line of defense in such emergencies. In this case:

• 7 fire tenders were deployed

• Fire was brought under control in under 60 minutes

• No surrounding buildings were affected

• Crowd control was maintained in the congested market

Shopkeeper Reactions: “Could Have Been Worse”

Local shopkeepers expressed relief that the fire was contained before spreading to adjacent businesses.

“We have seen entire blocks go up in flames in the past. This could have been much worse if the fire department hadn’t acted quickly,” said a textile merchant whose store is located just across the affected saree shop.

Many have now demanded upgrades to electrical infrastructure and routine fire safety inspections across the area.

What Happens Next: Investigation and Compensation

 Ongoing Investigation

A formal fire investigation report is underway. Authorities will examine:

• Electrical blueprints

• Past complaints or violations

• Safety audit status

• Insurance coverage

The shop owner is expected to file a claim under commercial fire insurance, although documentation and compliance gaps may complicate settlement.

Policy and Administration Response

The North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has ordered a fire safety audit of all multi-story commercial units in the Katra Asharfi and adjacent areas.

“This incident will serve as a wake-up call. Our priority is to ensure such accidents do not recur. Regular checks will be enforced,” said an NDMC spokesperson.

Fire Safety Tips for Businesses in High-Risk Zones

Given the vulnerability of heritage markets like Chandni Chowk, fire experts recommend:

1. Installing smoke detectors and alarms

2. Upgrading to FR (fire-resistant) wiring

3. Keeping extinguishers on every floor

4. Conducting quarterly fire drills

5. Ensuring electrical load assessments are updated annually

Public Safety Reminder

Residents and shoppers in Chandni Chowk and similar markets are advised to stay alert. In case of any fire:

• Do not panic; follow exit routes

• Call DFS helpline 101

• Avoid using elevators

• Help others, especially elderly or disabled, evacuate

• Report suspicious electrical setups to authorities

The fire at the saree shop in Chandni Chowk serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of infrastructure in heritage marketplaces. While the swift response by the Delhi Fire Services averted a major disaster, the underlying issues of wiring, safety compliance, and overcrowding persist.

As Delhi’s commercial pulse, Chandni Chowk needs urgent, systematic upgrades to ensure such incidents do not repeat.