Key Points:
- Fire erupted around 7,15 a.m. in Raj Textile Market at Parvat Patiya, Surat, alert received at 7,14 a.m.
- Flames spread rapidly through electrical ducts, lift and wiring shafts to upper floors storing synthetic cloth.
- At least 20 to 22 fire tenders and 100 to 125 firefighters deployed, brigade call declared by Surat Fire and Emergency Services.
- Fire brought under control after about 3,5 to 4 hours, cooling work continues on the top floor storage area.
- No injuries or deaths reported, early morning timing meant market was largely empty.
- Primary cause suspected to be electrical short circuit or wiring fault, detailed investigation ordered.
A massive fire broke out in Raj Textile Market, a multi-storey commercial complex in Surat’s Parvat Patiya locality, around 7 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. The market, considered one of the key hubs for synthetic fabrics in the city, was quickly engulfed in thick black smoke as flames climbed several floors of the building.
Fire officials said the first distress call reached the Surat Fire Control Room at about 7,14 a.m., after which the nearest fire stations rushed engines to the spot. Visuals from the scene showed dense smoke pouring out from multiple floors, with traders and local residents gathering outside the cordoned-off area as sirens filled the area.
How the blaze started and spread
According to Chief Fire Officer Basant Parik, the fire appears to have started in the building’s electrical ducts, lift area and wiring lines that run from the lower floors to the roof. These vertical shafts acted like a channel, allowing the flames to travel quickly upward and reach the third, fifth and top floors within a short time.
Officials have indicated that an electrical short circuit or wiring fault is the most likely trigger, although a detailed technical investigation will confirm the exact cause. Power supply to the entire market complex was cut off soon after the incident to prevent further electrical sparks and to support the firefighting operation.
Over 100 firefighters battle toxic smoke
Given the intensity of the fire and the scale of the market, authorities issued a brigade call and mobilised resources from across the city. Around 20 to 22 fire tenders from 15 to 20 different fire stations were deployed, and between 100 and 125 firefighters and officers worked in shifts to bring the situation under control.
The presence of large quantities of synthetic and polyester fabrics made the fire particularly challenging, as the material burns fiercely and produces thick, toxic smoke. Firefighters had to use breathing apparatus and oxygen masks to enter the building safely, moving floor by floor to douse pockets of fire and prevent the blaze from spreading to adjacent structures.
Fire under control, losses being assessed
Officials said the main flames were brought under control after about three and a half to four hours of continuous efforts, roughly by late morning. Cooling operations were completed on the third and fifth floors, but the storage section on the top floor continued to smoulder due to the heavy stock of fabric kept there, forcing teams to remain on site for further hours.
Preliminary reports suggest that more than 20 shops may have been damaged, and large volumes of textile stock have been destroyed, but a full assessment of financial loss is still underway. Authorities have also stressed that structural safety will be examined before traders or workers are allowed back into the affected parts of the building.
No casualties, focus shifts to safety audit
It is a major relief for the city that no casualties have been reported from the incident, with fire officials noting that the market was largely empty because the fire broke out early in the morning before business hours. Nearby buildings and markets escaped damage thanks to containment lines created by the fire brigade around Raj Textile Market.
Surat has seen several serious fires in textile markets in recent years, prompting growing demands for stricter fire safety checks, electrical audits and improved evacuation systems in high-density commercial complexes. After Wednesday’s incident, local authorities are expected to once again review compliance with fire norms in textile trading hubs and consider stronger enforcement to prevent repeat tragedies.
