13 shops gutted in fire in Patuakhali

A fire burnt at least 13 shops at Mohipur fishing port in Kalapara upazila of Patuakhali district early Sunday.

Later, three units of fire service brought the fire under control at around 3am.

The fire is reported to have started from the fish store of Malek Akon, a fish trader in the market, and quickly spread to nearby shops.

Witnesses said that around 1am, a fire was noticed in the basement of Akon's fish farm.

Locals immediately attempted to extinguish the fire with water.

However, within a short time, the fire spread to around 13 shops, including tea stalls, electronics shops, and motorcycle garages.

Kalapara Fire Service Station Officer Ilias Hossain mentioned that the fire service reached the spot upon receiving information and extinguished the fire, bringing it under control within two hours. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

"As one of our firefighters was hit on the head while fighting the fire, we sent him to the hospital," added the fire service official.