DHAKA: Two minors were burnt alive after a devastating fire broke out at Poolpar Slum in Katashur area of Mohammadpur in the city on Sunday morning.

At least 500 shanties and 40 shops were also gutted in the fire that began at 8:28am.

One of deceased was identified as Fatema, daughter of Asma, who lived with her family in the slum.

Fire Service and Civil Defense (FSCD) officials confirmed the death toll to banglanews.

FSCD control room duty-officer Nazma Akter told banglanews that, on information, 11 fire fighting units from Mohammadpur, Palasi, Lalbag and FSCD Central Control Room rushed to the spot and began action to extinguish the fire.

Fire fighters, assisted by the locals, brought the fire under control after one-and-quarter hour of frantic efforts around 10:45am, FSCD worker Jasim told banglanews on the spot.

The FSCD official also said the fire killed two children; one of them was identified as Fetama.

Slum dwellers told banglanews that the fire burnt Fatema alive as her mother left the house to reach her elder sister to the school, keeping Fatema asleep.

Housewife Monwara Begum told banglanews that there were about 500 shanties in 50 houses and 40 shops in the area.

The fire might have been originated from a three-storied wood and bamboo made house and burnt it, claimed the housewife.

Damage caused by the fire has not been estimated yet, added FSCD worker Jasim.

Meanwhile, local lawmaker Jahangir Kabir Nanak, also Awami League's Joint General Secretary, visited the spot and assured the victims families of rehabilitating by government.

BDST: 1051 HRS, JAN 11, 2015/updted 1420hrs