CHITTAGONG: At least 14 shops were gutted in a fire in Nozumia Masque lane area of Chaktai in the port city on Friday morning.

Sources said that the fire originated from an electric short circuit around 6:30am and spread out to adjacent areas.

Confirming the matter, Lama Bazar Fire Service Station Officer Rezaye Rabbi told banglanews, “On information seven fire fighting units rushed to the spot and douse the blaze after three hour frantic efforts.”

The fire burnt 14 shops and damaged assets worth about Tk 15 lakhs, he added.

BDST: 1448 HRS, MAR 21, 2014