A massive fire tore through Kursela Market (Naya Haat) in Katihar district, Bihar, on the evening of 15 February 2026, reducing hundreds of shops and businesses to ashes and inflicting widespread financial devastation. The blaze, which broke out near the Durga temple in the bustling marketplace at around 7:35 pm, spread quickly amid gusty winds and densely packed wooden and tin structures, engulfing what traders have called a historic commercial hub.
Preliminary assessments suggest that between 200 and over 500 shops were destroyed, with estimated property losses running into crores of rupees. While there have been no confirmed casualties, hundreds of families have lost their livelihood.
Traders have protested on the nearby National Highway 31 demanding substantive compensation, and authorities are investigating the cause, with possibilities including a gas cylinder blast, short circuit, or spark-related ignition still being examined.
Traders Reel from Losses, Protest for Relief
The blaze at Kursela’s Naya Haat a market that had operated for nearly 70 years without interruption sent shockwaves through the community. Locals reported that the fire started near a hotel close to the Durga temple and, within minutes, flames had leapt to adjacent stalls and shops selling essentials like clothing, groceries, spices, furniture, electronics and more. Some reports suggest 500 or more establishments were engulfed, although earlier counts put the figure between 150 and 250 shops destroyed in parts of the market.
Firefighting teams from Katihar and neighbouring areas, including additional units from Navgachhia and Bhagalpur, were deployed to battle the inferno. However, shopkeepers and eyewitnesses criticised delays in the arrival of fire engines and difficulties accessing the tightly packed market lanes, which hampered early containment efforts. “If the fire brigade had arrived sooner, many shops could possibly have been saved,” said one trader.
As the market smouldered into the night, harrowing scenes of loss unfolded. Families stood by in shock as years of investment, savings and daily income sometimes including cash kept for personal needs like weddings or children’s education were destroyed. Many have described the blaze as nothing short of a catastrophe that has stripped away not just property, but future plans and economic security.
Investigation, Compensation Demands and Policy Calls
In the wake of the fire, Kursela’s Naya Haat remained eerily quiet the next day, with traders surveying charred remains of shops and wares. The local administration has begun a systematic assessment of losses and has assured victims of compensation, although precise details on financial assistance remain unclear. Traders, many of whom operate on thin margins, have demanded clear, prompt relief packages to help them restart businesses or settle debts.
Protesting shopkeepers blocked NH-31, disrupting traffic and amplifying their call for faster, fair compensation. They argue that rehabilitation support including loans, replacement stock, and clear timelines for rebuilding is critical to prevent long-term economic distress. Local police and district officials were present during the demonstrations, and authorities appear to be engaging in talks with representatives of the traders.
Meanwhile, investigators are examining several possible causes of the fire. While initial public speculation linked the blaze to a gas cylinder blast, official statements so far have been cautious, with authorities noting that a short circuit or originating spark from a shop cannot yet be ruled out. The investigation remains ongoing as forensic and fire service teams analyse the scene.
The incident has also spurred calls from trade and business chambers for broader policy responses. A North East Bihar business chamber has urged the Bihar Chief Minister to ensure adequate fire services across all districts and improve emergency infrastructure, noting that existing fire engines are often outdated and inefficient, especially in rural and semi-urban markets like Kursela.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The fire in Kursela Market is more than a local news event it is a stark demonstration of how vulnerable informal and small-scale traders are to sudden disasters. For generations, markets like Naya Haat have been not just commercial spaces but social and economic lifelines for families and communities. Today, those livelihoods have been upended, underscoring the urgency of safety infrastructure upgrades, stringent compliance with electrical and fire standards, and better emergency accessibility across rural and semi-urban India.
Equally important is the manner in which relief and rehabilitation are handled. Swift financial support, transparent compensation frameworks, and community-centred planning must be priorities for the district and state governments.
