Fire breaks out at a construction materials market in Tashkent

Early in the morning on February 21, a fire broke out at a construction materials market located on Qovunchi Street in Uchtepa district. The incident caused significant property damage: glass and door products were burned and damaged across an area of 200 square meters.

The fire inflicted major financial losses on entrepreneurs operating at the market. Many were reluctant to speak publicly, but some suggested the blaze may have started when high winds caused electrical wires to touch.

“Out of 17 shops, 10 were reduced to ashes, and my losses are up to 100 million soums,” said one affected entrepreneur.

Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene after the fire started at 05:09 and arrived at 05:18. Firefighters managed to contain and fully extinguish the blaze by 06:00, preventing it from spreading further and saving about 2,000 square meters of the market area. No injuries were reported, but an official from the Tashkent City Emergency Situations Department said serious safety shortcomings had been identified.

“The market administration did not create the necessary conditions for fire safety and failed to take preventive measures,” said Major Zuhriddin Quronov, head of the information service at the Tashkent City Emergency Situations Department.

In conclusion, the fire at the market in Uchtepa district resulted in substantial property damage, though fortunately no one was hurt. While some entrepreneurs believe the blaze was triggered by an electrical malfunction linked to weather conditions, official statements point to inadequate fire safety measures by the market administration. As a result, the market’s electricity supply was disconnected for three days until all identified violations are addressed. The incident once again underscores the importance of strict compliance with fire safety rules to prevent future emergencies and protect lives and property.

Behzod Shamsutdinov