According to DFS officials, the fire was caused by a short circuit in a shop. Three fire tenders were rushed from the Safdarjung and Bikaji Cama Place fire stations. At around 4.12 a.m. two water tenders, one bourser, two motor pumps and additional staff were sent .The fire was declared to be of `medium' intensity, and five more fire tenders were sent in.

By around 4.20 a.m. when there was no let up in the fire, the in-charge declared the fire to be `serious', additional forces and pumps were sent and the fire was brought under control at 4.55 a.m.

Shopkeepers blamed the Delhi Vidyut Board, alleging voltage supply to the market was erratic. According to the DVB, however, the shopkeepers were drawing extra load. The Kotla Mubarakpur police are investigating the case.