A fire in Khilgaon's Taltola area last night destroyed at least 20 shops, mostly garages, and two sawmills. The blaze, which started around 7:30 pm, was brought under control by nine fire engines by 9:35 pm, according to Anwarul Islam, an officer at the Fire Service headquarters. The Fire Service suspects that an explosion of a chemical drum led to the rapid spread of the fire. Lt Colonel Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Fire Service Director (operations and maintenance), confirmed that around 20 shops and two sawmills were affected by the fire. Fortunately, no reports of missing persons, injuries, or fatalities have been received so far. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with possibilities ranging from a cigarette to sabotage or an electrical short circuit. The fire broke out in a crowded garage area behind Khilgaon Police Station, making containment efforts challenging. The shops, mainly involved in vehicle repairs and using highly flammable materials, were prone to the fire's rapid spread. An explosion that occurred half an hour after the firefighters arrived intensified the blaze, and the thick smoke caused panic among local residents, resulting in a temporary power outage in the area.