Two shops in a commercial complex at K.C. Road junction in Talapady on the Karnataka side of the Karnataka–Kerala border were gutted reportedly due to short circuit on Friday.
The fire was noticed in Zam Zam Bakery located on the ground floor of Nebari Commercial Complex around 5 a.m. One unit of the bakery and the adjoining NM Mobile Care outlet was totally gutted. Another unit of the bakery located next to the mobile phone outlet suffered damage.
Delay in response
Abdul Sattar, owner of the bakery, said he noticed the fire when he was on his way to mosque to offer morning prayers.
“I immediately called the fire and emergency services. But there was none to receive the call. Same was the case with Mescom (Mangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited) control room,” he said.
While people said Fire Services personnel reached 90 minutes after the fire, the authorities maintained that they received the call late.
Mr. Sattar said residents joined in extinguishing fire. He estimated a loss of Rs. 60 lakh.
Sathish Kumpala, vice-president of the zilla panchayat, said there had been a demand for a fire service station in the area for more than four years.
“I will raise it in the review meeting in the zilla panchayat and also discuss this with the district in-charge minister,” he said.
