Archive · 19 May 2025
Textile Market Fires: Surat & Kozhikode - Causes & Response
In Surat, a fire destroyed 10 shops in a textile market, but firefighters stopped it from spreading.
In Kozhikode, a fire at a shopping complex caused significant damage.
Traders in Kozhikode claimed there weren't enough fire engines and that closed fire station hurt the effort.
The Forest Minister disagreed.
Police suspect building code violations, which may have hampered rescue operations.
Firefighters used breathing apparatus to fight the fires in both incidents, dealing with thick smoke and the presence of flammable materials.
A fire in Surat gutted 10 shops in a textile market.
In Kozhikode, a fire broke out at a shopping complex.
Traders in Kozhikode alleged a lack of fire engines hindered efforts.
Forest Minister dismissed the allegations about insufficient resources.
Police suspect building rule violations in Kozhikode hampered rescue.
- Who
- Firefighters responded to the fires. Shop owners suffered losses.
- What
- Fires broke out in textile markets in Surat and Kozhikode, causing significant damage to shops and goods.
- When
- Early Friday morning in Surat and Sunday (May 19) in Kozhikode.
- Where
- Godadara Road, Surat and shopping complex near Mofussil Bus Stand, Kozhikode
- Why
- The exact causes are under investigation, but building code violations are suspected in Kozhikode.
Traders' Viewpoint
Government / Official Stance
Resource Availability & Building Safety
Traders' Viewpoint
Traders allege insufficient resources, particularly regarding fire engines and the closure of the Kozhikode Beach fire station, and allege that building code violations hampered rescue.
Government / Official Stance
The government states that adequate resources were deployed and that a detailed investigation is underway.
- Location 1
- Avadh Ruturaj Textile Hub, Godadara Road, Surat
- Location 2
- Shopping complex near Mofussil Bus Stand, Kozhikode
- Date of Surat fire
- Early Friday morning
- Date of Kozhikode fire
- Sunday (May 19)
- Damage in Surat
- 10 shops gutted
- Damage in Kozhikode
- Significant damage to shops
- Estimated Loss in Kozhikode
- Around ₹50 crore
