Ten shops were gutted in a blaze that broke out at Parmunda, a prominent intersection along the Fulbari-Gajoldoba Canal Road in Rajganj block of Jalpaiguri, on Sunday afternoon.

The shops, which were just off the road, were reduced to ashes in the fire that erupted around 12.30pm.

As the shops were open at that time, news spread fast and two fire engines from Fulbari and Siliguri fire stations reached the spot, along with a team from the Bhorer Alo police station within minutes.

It took over a couple of hours to fully control the fire. However, no one was reported injured.

Among the affected shops were groceries, shops selling stationery items, tea stalls, a motorcycle garage, shops selling poultry items and even a jewellery shop.

According to the locals, the fire broke out from the poultry shop.

Soon, the flames started racing, engulfing one shop after another. The residents tried to douse the blaze but failed. Later, the fire tenders brought the situation under control.

Later in the day, Khageswar Roy, the Rajganj MLA, visited the area.

He spoke with the affected shopkeepers and assured them of necessary help.

Archana Roy, the head of Mantadari panchayat under which the area is located, said they were extending all possible help to the shop owners.

“The administration and the fire services department will conduct inquiries to find out what led to the fire. The quantum of loss is yet to the estimated,” she said.