Assam: Sohum Emporia blaze tamed after 36 hours in Guwahati

GUWAHATI-  After more than a day of relentless firefighting, authorities on Thursday declared the massive blaze at Sohum Emporia, one of Guwahati’s premier shopping complexes, under control. The fire had burned for over 36 hours, making it one of the most prolonged and challenging urban fire incidents in recent city memory.

The inferno began around 12:30 a.m. on December 9 in a second-floor godown and rapidly engulfed the six-storey Swagata Square complex, situated along the busy GS Road in Christian Basti. The mall, home to high-end outlets such as Hamleys and MegaMart, as well as multiple State Bank of India (SBI) offices—including its Northeast zonal office and premium banking sections—was quickly consumed by thick smoke and flames.

Packed with combustible materials—plastics, clothing, toys and office supplies—the structure became a vertical furnace, spewing black smoke visible across Guwahati and heavily affecting morning traffic along GS Road.

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What began as a routine night-time emergency escalated into a large-scale crisis involving over 25 fire tenders from the Assam Fire & Emergency Services, assisted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Army, and water tenders from Guwahati Refinery and NRL.

NDRF teams deployed high-efficiency smoke extractors to reduce zero-visibility conditions inside the building, while IAF and Army units provided logistical and aerial support. One firefighter suffered minor injuries and was treated at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). No civilian casualties were reported.

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Witnesses said flames spread rapidly after breaking out near the toy section. Internal water tanks reportedly emptied within hours, despite the presence of hydrants and alarms—raising questions about the functionality of the mall’s fire safety systems.

A senior fire official noted, “By the time we reached, flames were already on multiple floors. The intensity was unusually high due to the materials stored.”

The Kamrup (Metro) District Administration has begun an inquiry into whether the complex complied with mandatory fire-safety norms, including sprinkler systems, emergency exits and storage protocols.

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SBI confirmed significant damage to its offices, raising concerns about physical records, loan documents and stored cash. The bank assured customers that digital data remains secure through off-site backups, and alternative branches have been designated for essential services.

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has cordoned off the mall for structural integrity inspections. A detailed loss estimate—expected to run into several crores—will be released after engineers complete their assessment.

As of 9:00 p.m. on December 11, cooling operations continued, particularly at the building’s rear section where pockets of heat persist. Firefighters warned of potential re-ignition due to smouldering debris.

Videos of the towering flames and smoke clouds went viral, prompting a public outcry. One Guwahati resident wrote on X:
“If a premium mall burns for 36 hours, what about the rest of the commercial buildings in the city?”

The incident has reignited debate over the city’s preparedness for large-scale fires, especially in densely built commercial districts.

District Disaster Management Officer said, “The fire is contained, but we’re maintaining full vigilance. Cooling and inspection will continue.”

As Guwahati recovers from the shock, the Sohum Emporia blaze stands as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that accompany rapid urban expansion—and the critical need for stringent safety compliance across commercial centres.