Blaze destroys 20 shops, raises safety concerns at temporary markets
January 14, 2026: A massive fire broke out at the Sonbhadra fairground in Uttar Pradesh, engulfing around 15–20 temporary shops and causing losses estimated to be worth several lakhs of rupees. The blaze spread rapidly through the densely packed market area, destroying goods and leaving shopkeepers and local residents in a state of shock.
Firefighters rushed to the spot and managed to bring the flames under control despite narrow lanes and difficult conditions. In a risky operation, fire personnel removed gas cylinders from the affected area, preventing the fire from escalating into a larger disaster that could have threatened nearby localities.
While no casualties have been reported so far, the incident has once again drawn attention to fire safety lapses at temporary markets and fairgrounds. Authorities are expected to review existing safety arrangements, as the scale of destruction highlights the urgent need for stricter fire safety measures in crowded public spaces.