Bengaluru, 27th September 2025: A blaze erupted on Thursday morning at “Adiga Creations,” a wooden handicraft shop in Malleswaram, leaving the area in shock. No one was injured, although property was damaged in the fire and there were fears about the fire safety of aging commercial buildings.
Early Morning Fire Causes Panic
The fire reportedly started around 4:30 a.m., when most workers and residents were asleep. Flames quickly engulfed parts of the workshop, spreading to nearby storage areas where finished wooden products were stacked. The smoke was visible from a distance, and many local residents alerted the fire department immediately.
In a matter of minutes, numerous fire trucks responded to the incident and started extinguishing the fire. It took the firefighters almost two hours to put out the blaze because of the combustible materials present in the building, such as varnishes, wooden decorations, and adhesives kept within the unit.
No Injuries, But Property Damage Reported
Authorities confirmed that no one was within the building at the moment, and all the buildings around it were evacuated as a measure of precaution. “Luckily, no lives were lost. But the damage to property is very much there, and the unit will take months to get back to business as usual,” a spokesperson for the Bengaluru Fire and Emergency Services said.
Some neighboring cars and shop fronts experienced minor damage from heat and smoke. Locals described the lingering smell of smoke throughout the morning, causing some families to remain indoors.
Suspected Cause: Short Circuit
Initial probes indicate that the fire was possibly caused by a short circuit. The electrical cables in the 30-year-old complex were suspected to be old and not properly insulated and protected against fire. Fire experts also mentioned the lack of automatic sprinklers and other protective devices, which might have helped contain the fire from spreading.
“The age of the building and absence of fire safety equipment increased the extent of the fire. We call upon all commercial buildings, particularly old ones, to carry out regular security checks,” said a senior fire officer.
Community and Worker Response
Employees and owners of the handicraft unit breathed a sigh of relief that no one was hurt. “We could have lost everything and, most importantly, lives. It was a frightening experience, but the timely response of the fire department saved us from a disaster,” said Adiga Creations owner.
Residents applauded the swift action of the firefighters, stating that their teamwork avoided the fire from extending to neighboring shops and homes.
Bengaluru’s Increasing Fire Safety Issues
This accident draws attention to a larger issue in Bengaluru, where several older commercial and industrial units lack proper fire safety features. Bengaluru has witnessed several incidents of fires in small-scale industries in recent years, frequently leaving vast amounts of property damage and sometimes lives lost.
Urban experts maintain that hasty commercialization and weak enforcement of safety standards have rendered such accidents probable. They assert that more rigorous inspections, frequent electrical audits, and adherence to safety standards should be given top priority to avoid repeat incidents of such fires.
Authorities Take Action
Bengaluru Fire and Emergency Services personnel have submitted a preliminary report and are working in coordination with the property owner to determine the extent of structural damage. The GBA (Greater Bengaluru Authority) has also been informed to verify compliance with rebuilding codes and fire standards prior to resumption of operations by the unit.
Officials also counseled adjoining units to inspect their safety measures and have appropriate fire detection and suppression systems installed. Prevention campaigns were recommended to inform small-scale enterprises about preventive practices, such as keeping fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and unobstructed evacuation paths.
Lessons for the Future
Although the initial response averted any loss of life, the fire is a grim reminder of how essential fire safety is in Bengaluru’s industrial and commercial establishments. Older structures, especially those housing inflammable materials, need to be attended to immediately to avoid catastrophes.
For residents of Malleswaram and similar neighbourhoods, the fire underscores the need for vigilance, preparedness, and timely reporting of emergencies. For businesses, it is a lesson that proactive safety measures are not optional—they are essential for protecting lives and property.
