At least 19 shops of cloths, garments and cosmetics burnt to ashes in Puran Bazaar area of the district town on Thursday night.

The fire incident took place at City Super market around 3:00 am, said fire service officials.

Assistant Director of Madaripur Fire Service Shafiqul Islam said receiving the information, six units from three stations brought the blaze under control after three and a half hours of efforts.

"The fire first broke out at Sourav Hardware. Later, it spread around the market," Shafiqul Islam added.

It is primarily believed that the fire started from a short circuit, said fire service officials.