Agra: Bursting of firecrackers in blatant violation of Supreme Court orders kept fire and rescue services personnel on their toes here on Diwali as numerous fire incidents were reported across Agra region killing one and injuring several others. The fire tenders also faced operational difficulties due to back-to-back calls for help.In Mathura, a 26-year-old man was killed and over a dozen shops were gutted after a fire broke out at the grain market around 4 am on Thursday. On information, 10 fire engines were rushed to the spot and the team had to struggle for over three hours to douse the blaze. The deceased was identified as Sunil, a local shop owner.Traders in the area claimed that they estimate at least Rs 5 crore losses in the incident. Speaking to TOI, Sunil Kumar Sharma, secretary of Krishi Utpadan Mandi said, “The exact reason behind the incident is not clear yet. We suspect that it is a case of short circuit.”In Firozabad, much damage was caused to property at the residence of industrial development secretary Santosh Yadav as the fire engine ran out of water. Firozabad chief fire officer Jasveer Singh said, “A stray cracker is suspected to be behind the incident. During the operations, the fire engine stopped working due to a technical glitch. Alternative arrangements were made available within 10 minutes.”Similarly, a massive fire broke out in the store room of a local discom Torrent Power near Etmaddulah police station in Agra on Wednesday evening. Five fire engines were rushed to the spot to control the blaze. Locals claimed that a stray cracker was behind the incident.Bhupendra Singh, public relations officer of Torrent Power said, “We have estimated the losses to be around Rs 1.5 crore. All our employees are safe. An inquiry has been initiated in this regard. ”In Kasganj district’s Soron, a major fire broke out when a cracker landed on a tent. Fire tenders could not be rushed to the spot as they were deployed elsewhere. Locals managed to put out the flames after several hours. Similarly, a tarpaulin warehouse in North Idgah Colony and a bamboo depot in Jagdishpura caught fire as stray crackers from the neighbourhood landed there. Fire tenders worked till late in the night to douse the blaze. Officials have estimated losses to the tune of Rs 5 lakh in the incidents.In Mathura’s Kosi Kalan, six fire engines had to be pressed into service to put out a fire in a grocery store.

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