A dozen makeshift firecracker shops were gutted as a fierce fire broke out in northern India's Uttar Pradesh state. <br /><br />The incident took place on October 26 in a market in Sultanpura region of Agra, reports said. This came only the day before Diwali, the popular Hindu holiday in which fireworks are often used in huge amounts to celebrate.<br /><br />Footage from the event shows locals trying to move vehicles that were parked close to the spot where the fire broke out, even breaking the window of a car to help move it from the spot.<br /> <br />A few people were also seen pouring water in an attempt to douse the flame.<br /><br />According to reports, residents alleged negligence on the organiser's part and said adequate arrangements for firefighting weren't made. <br /><br />The shopkeepers and customers, who were engaged in last-minute shopping, evacuated the vicinity after the fire broke out. <br /><br />Several fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the flame. <br /><br />The police personnel diverted the route and alerted the riders to avoid further damage. <br /><br />Officials said no loss of human life was reported.<br /><br />The reason behind the blaze is yet unknown, though another report said a stray burning firecracker may have caused the flame.
