A fire broke out at a row of warehouses and shops along the Hinthada riverfront, causing extensive damage and heavy losses, according to reports.

The fire occurred at around 4 a.m. on October 14.

According to confirmation from the Fire Services Department, the affected row included warehouses, grocery shops, tea shops and rice shops. The fire destroyed 10 units with corrugated iron roofs, wooden walls and concrete floors, as well as 11 units with corrugated iron roofs, wooden walls and wooden floors.

The Fire Services Department said the fire was caused by overheating in a battery-powered solar inverter that had been left charging. The heat ignited the main electrical wiring, and the fire subsequently spread to nearby combustible materials.

A volunteer from the Hinthada District Network Social Assistance Association described the incident: "The fire broke out at the riverfront warehouse and shop row. It was not on the side facing the river, but along the left-hand row facing the road leading from Let Taw Gone to the riverfront.

"As it was near the river, the wind was also blowing. Some paper materials caught fire and burst into flames, so everyone had to be extremely careful. The fire was intense, and if it had spread further, the entire row could have been destroyed. There was also a residential area nearby, so firefighters had to work hard to prevent the flames from spreading.

"Some people also fell after part of the roof gave way while they were fighting the fire. Fortunately, no serious consequences were reported. We warned people and helped them to prevent injuries while assisting with the response and retrieving as many belongings as possible, ensuring that no one became trapped.

"Volunteers and an assistance vehicle remained on standby until the operation was completed in case anyone fainted or was injured and needed help.

"The firefighters were extremely exhausted. At around 6:30 a.m., paper materials among the remaining embers caught fire again and had to be extinguished. It looked as though rain was coming, but raindrops began falling only after the remaining embers were being dealt with.

"Only the front facades of the affected row remained. The entire row behind them was burned down, resulting in substantial losses," the volunteer said.

Four firefighting vehicles, six water tankers and firefighters from district, township and local fire stations were dispatched to the scene to extinguish the blaze, according to reports.