At least 150 shops, including six selling fire crackers, were gutted in a fire which razed through the oldest market in Jalpaiguri.
No casualty was immediately reported in the fire that broke out at around 11.30 PM at Deen Bazaar complex, the main market in the district.
Thirteen fire tenders were pressed into service. The fire could be doused at 5 AM, a fire brigade official said.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, he said.
As the fire spread to the shops selling firecrackers, it produced deafening sound and smoke.
Former Chairman of Jalpaiguri municipality Mohan Bose said that shops allegedly illegally stockpiling white spirit, used in paints, were also gutted.
The extent of damage is yet to be ascertained.
