A fire broke out in a wholesale automobile spare parts marketing shop at Mittapudur area in Salem city on Sunday.
According to police sources, the people residing nearby spotted smoke emanating from the shop, functioning on the first floor, in the morning and alerted the fire and rescue services personnel.
As the engine oil stock also caught fire, thick dark smoke engulfed the entire area making fire fighting operations difficult.
The fire fighting units, assisted by the Salem Corporation water tankers, fought for more than three hours and put down the fire.
The military canteen was functioning on the first floor of the premises and the appliances meant for marketing were removed from the canteen as precautionary measure.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Alagapuram police have registered a case in this regard.
Senior police officers visited the spot and monitored the situation.
