CHANDIGARH, Oct 31: A minor fire broke out in one of the stalls on the last day of the CII Fair `99 here this afternoon. The fire was however put out without any loss to life or property.At around 2.30 p.m. smoke was seen by those at the electronic goods stall and soon small fire broke out. The fire brigade present as a precautionary measure was pressed into service and the area was cordoned off. The stall was restored for the evening visitors.
According to Piyush Bahl, regional director CII, "The fire broke out in a make-shift store which had printed literature and inflammable solution which is used to glue the carpets to the floor. Due to short circuit this caught fire. Since we used fire resistant fabrication material it prevented the fire from spreading."
Meanwhile, rush at the fair grew towards the evening making the job of those at the gates hectic as many also sought entry without passes or tickets. Large number of people turned out for the family event. Micky Malhotra, attending one of the stalls, said, "The main aim here is that of advertisement and reaching out to people. The bookings and sales come later."
Right now we are more into showing what we have than selling it here and now."
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.