Major Fire Engulfs Photography Lab in Chandigarh's Sector 22 Market
Seventeen years after a neighboring building fire claimed four lives, flames once again ravaged Chandigarh's congested Sector 22 market on Wednesday. This latest incident completely gutted a two-storey photography lab that, according to preliminary findings, was operating without a valid fire safety certificate despite already receiving a municipal corporation notice.
Fire Breaks Out at Busy Commercial Location
The blaze erupted around 1 pm in the photography lab occupying the first and second floors of a commercial building directly opposite the Sector 17 bus stand. Within minutes, thick, dark smoke billowed from the structure as intense flames consumed both levels, destroying all photographic equipment, electronic machines, wooden fixtures, and business records. The ground floor, housing a mobile phone shop, fortunately escaped damage.
No injuries or casualties were reported at the time of filing, largely attributed to timely evacuation and the fire being contained to the upper floors of the building.
Massive Multi-Agency Firefighting Response
The intensity of the blaze triggered an immediate, large-scale response from multiple agencies. More than a dozen firefighting vehicles were deployed, including:
- Seven municipal corporation fire tenders
- One fire tender each from Panchkula and Mohali
- One private fire tender
- Two hydronic vehicles
With the fire consuming materials at alarming speed, fire tenders had to make multiple trips to nearby water sources to maintain adequate pressure for their operations.
Challenges in Containing the Blaze
Fire department officials identified their primary challenge as preventing the flames from spreading to adjacent buildings in the tightly packed market area. "We strategically positioned two tenders at the rear and stationed the remaining vehicles in front to create a protective water curtain," explained a fire department official. "Our absolute priority was containing the fire's spread. It's evident that highly inflammable materials or chemicals were stored inside, which significantly intensified the blaze and complicated our firefighting efforts."
The fire was finally brought under control after more than three hours of continuous, strenuous firefighting operations.
Initial Findings and Investigation
While the exact cause remains under investigation, initial evidence points toward a suspected electrical short circuit, exacerbated by the presence of inflammable materials within the photography lab.
Municipal corporation officers confirmed that a detailed investigation will be conducted. "A comprehensive report will be prepared, but our immediate priority was containing the fire and safeguarding nearby shops and structures," stated an MC officer.
Operational Challenges in Congested Area
The lab's location within one of Chandigarh's most congested commercial pockets presented significant operational challenges. Haphazardly parked vehicles blocked movement, forcing police and fire personnel to urgently appeal to shopkeepers and customers to clear the approach road. Although fire engines reached within five minutes of the alarm, smooth access remained problematic until several people moved their vehicles.
Chandigarh Police teams also arrived to manage the swelling crowd. Hundreds of onlookers gathered as flames raged, prompting police to cordon off the area to provide firefighters with adequate working space and prevent potential accidents.
Eerie Reminders of Past Tragedy
By late afternoon, charred remains of printing machines, frames, chemicals, and electrical wiring lay scattered across blackened floors—a haunting reminder of the 2009 fire tragedy that occurred just one building away in the same market.
As investigators work to determine what sparked Wednesday's blaze, serious questions have resurfaced regarding:
- Fire safety compliance lapses
- Enforcement of safety regulations
- Structural vulnerabilities in the market's aging buildings
These concerns have brought renewed scrutiny to one of Chandigarh's busiest shopping corridors.
Official Statement on Response
Joint Municipal Commissioner-cum-Chief Fire Officer Inderjeet Singh commented on the incident: "It was indeed a major fire, but the situation was controlled effectively by our fire and emergency staff. Dousing the flames and protecting adjoining buildings was our top priority, which our firefighters accomplished bravely, and fortunately no human injuries were reported. The fire started at 1:07 pm and our fire tenders reached the spot by 1:10 pm, demonstrating our rapid response capability. Fifteen fire tenders were ultimately pressed into action."
Historical Context: Previous Fire Incidents
The Sector 22 market has witnessed several significant fire incidents over the years:
April 9, 2009: Four people died of suffocation after fire engulfed two floors of a showroom housing a digital photo lab where highly inflammable chemicals were stored. Haphazard parking hampered firefighting efforts during this fatal incident.
Recent Chandigarh Fires:
- April 25, 2025: Fire on second floor of Karsan Colony house; neighbors rescued a four-year-old child before fire tenders arrived
- May 24, 2025: Gas pipeline fire near Sector 36/37 light point damaged adjoining gutter line
- June 23, 2025: Fire in Punjab and Haryana High Court bar rooms destroyed wooden and electrical items
- December 20, 2025: Late-night fire gutted Sector 17 sweets and bakery shop
- February 12, 2026: Minor fire in DC Office building, Sector 17, extinguished without incident
