Patna : The Patna Fire Department has raised an alarm over the alleged unauthorised storage of large quantities of firecrackers in New Market, near Patna Junction, after an inspection found around 8–10 shops stocked with fireworks.
The value of the stored firecrackers is estimated at Rs 15–20 lakh, according to the preliminary assessment by fire officials. The findings have raised concerns about fire safety in the densely populated commercial area, where narrow lanes and heavy public movement could complicate emergency response.
Sub-Divisional Fire Officer Ajit Kumar of the Lodipur fire station said that none of the shopkeepers checked during the inspection had a licence for the sale or storage of firecrackers.
The inspection was part of the fire department’s ongoing safety checks ahead of Diwali.
Fire Officials Find Large Firecracker Stock In 8–10 Shops
Ajit Kumar visited New Market on Wednesday as part of the department’s inspection drive to check fire safety arrangements and compliance with licensing requirements during the festive season.
During the inspection, officials found substantial quantities of firecrackers stored in several shops. Around eight to ten establishments were reportedly found stocked with fireworks, with the total value estimated at Rs 15–20 lakh.
The fire officer said the department had been conducting inspections across different parts of Patna. However, the absence of licences among the shopkeepers inspected at New Market raised concerns about how such large quantities of firecrackers were being stored and sold.
The findings have brought attention to the risks associated with keeping fireworks in commercial establishments without the required permissions and safety arrangements.
Narrow Lanes And Proximity To Patna Junction Raise Concerns
The location of the shops has added to the concerns of fire officials. New Market is a busy commercial area close to Patna Junction, with densely packed shops and narrow access lanes.
Ajit Kumar warned that the congested layout could make it difficult for fire tenders to reach an affected shop quickly in an emergency.
He also pointed out that a small fire could spread rapidly if it reached the stored firecrackers. The combination of combustible material, closely located shops and restricted access could increase the risk and complicate firefighting operations.
The proximity to the railway station makes the situation particularly sensitive because of the large number of people who move through the surrounding area.
Fire Officer Warns Of Risk Of Major Accident
The fire officer cautioned that negligence in storing firecrackers could lead to a serious accident. Referring to the recent fire incident in Siwan, he warned that the consequences of a similar incident in a congested part of Patna could be severe.
His warning focused on the need to prevent unsafe storage, particularly in commercial areas where emergency vehicles may face access difficulties.
The department’s inspection has also raised questions about enforcement of licensing requirements and the monitoring of shops dealing in firecrackers ahead of major festivals.
Fire Safety Inspections Continue Across Patna Ahead Of Diwali
The New Market inspection is part of a wider drive by the fire department to check fire safety arrangements at shops and other locations ahead of Diwali.
Officials are inspecting establishments involved in the sale and storage of firecrackers, with a focus on licences and potential hazards in crowded neighbourhoods.
The department has indicated that inspections will continue in different parts of the city during the festive period.
The findings at New Market highlight the importance of checking unauthorised storage and ensuring that fireworks are kept only in permitted locations with appropriate safety arrangements. Any further action against the shops will depend on the findings and enforcement steps taken by the concerned authorities.
