Massive Fire Guts Areca Nut Godowns at Algapur Market, Loss Worth Crores Feared

A massive fire broke out at Algapur market in Assam’s Hailakandi district on Sunday evening (December 15), gutting several areca nut (Supari) godowns and causing losses estimated to be worth several crore rupees. No casualties were reported, but the blaze triggered panic among traders and locals. Locals have questioned the absence of any fire tender service in Algapur. 

According to sources, the fire started around 5 pm and quickly spread through the market area. Thick flames and smoke engulfed the godowns, reducing large stocks of stored areca nuts to ashes. Fire tenders from nearby areas rushed to the spot, while local people also joined efforts to control the fire. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control after nearly two hours. Police personnel from Algapur Police Station were deployed to manage the situation and control the crowd, as thousands of people gathered after news of the fire spread across the area.

Several local areca nut traders have reportedly suffered heavy losses. A witness said he was not present when the fire broke out and could not say how it started, but added that the financial loss was huge. Another local blamed poor civic sense, claiming that careless disposal of garbage and possible open flames might have led to the incident, though this has not been officially confirmed. He also thanked the fire department for responding quickly.

Another outraged local expressed anger over what he described as administrative neglect. He alleged that despite long-standing demands for a fire station in Algapur, the district administration had failed to act. As a result, fire engines had to come from Hailakandi or Panchgram, by which time the fire had already caused extensive damage.

Political criticism also surfaced following the incident. A local resident claimed that with elections approaching, the area’s MLA, Nizam Uddin Choudhury of the AIUDF, was busy campaigning and allegedly did not stop at the site despite passing through the area while the fire was still burning.

Local citizens and business owners have demanded compensation for the affected traders and urged the district administration to take immediate steps to improve fire safety infrastructure in the area. Authorities have said an inquiry will be conducted to determine the cause of the fire and assess the total loss.