A fire that almost completely destroyed the Isa Town market yesterday has resulted in losses of hundreds of thousands of dinars, it has been claimed.

No one was injured, but dozens of firemen in around 30 fire engines and support vehicles battled for more than five hours to bring the blaze under control.

Public Security chief Major General Tariq Al Hassan supervised the fire-fighting operation and Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro visited the scene.

The fire reportedly started near the Ramez store at around 5pm and quickly spread to the rest of the market, causing traders to flee with whatever they could salvage.

Loud explosions could be heard coming from the site, as fridge and air-conditioning compressors and gas cylinders went up in flames.

More than 450 shops were completely gutted in the blaze.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa last night gave directives to set up a committee to investigate the blaze.

The committee will start the investigation today.

He also ordered the Industry and Commerce Ministry and the Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry to assess the losses and damages and submit an urgent report.

Chaired by the Interior Ministry, the committee will include all parties concerned.

HRH the Premier lauded the security authorities for their efforts to put out the fire and limit losses.

Two-thirds of the market has been completely gutted, the Interior Ministry said last night.

Two firemen were taken to hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation.

Police described the work of firemen as "heroic", saying if the blaze had spread to a row of shops next to Home Electronics, hundreds of cars would have been threatened.

Traders alleged a shortage of water may have prevented firemen from putting out the blaze before it spread - saying there was not enough water pressure in the area's fire hydrants.

But Civil Defence officials dismissed the suggestion.

"We were on the other hand hampered by the hundreds of people who had gathered at the spot to witness the fire," said a senior officer.

"We had a tough time dispersing the crowds."

Businessmen said the blaze had destroyed goods worth tens of thousands of dinars and cost several Bangladeshis their livelihoods.

It also caused major tailbacks on all roads leading to Isa Town at around 7pm as police blocked them off to allow unhindered access to emergency vehicles.

"The first fire tender arrived within a few minutes and firemen tried to put out the blaze but it quickly spread," said a Pakistani shop owner who watched the horror unfold.

"For a while we thought the blaze was under control and thought the worst was over but soon the fire spread to other parts.

"It was then that additional help was summoned and soon several fire tenders arrived at the scene."

The man said customers and shop owners fled as soon as the fire started, with many not having time to take cash from their shops.

"Many of them barely managed to escape with their lives," he said.

Another witness claimed the fire started near the market's public toilet.

"No one had any idea how it could have started but all we saw was a huge ball of fire and we fled," he said.

"We were surprised at the intensity of the fire - it spread very quickly."

Faqhi, a shop owner who has a curtain and upholstery business, said he had just opened his shop after the afternoon break when he heard a commotion outside.

"Before I realised it, I could see flames nearby. I immediately ran from the scene and even as I was running, I saw my shop go up in flames. I was not even able to recover the cash box," he said.

The businessman had just received a fresh consignment of goods from China for the upcoming Ramadan and Eid season.

"I took a loan and set up my shop and expanded it. Now it is all gone," he said.

"I was really excited I was doing well in business after more than two years and now this has happened.

"How am I going to cope?"

Trader Bassim Mohammed, who ran a cold store, said he had lost everything.

"I was not at the shop when the fire happened. My two workers barely managed to escape," he said.

"I have lost everything. Nothing is left.

"I am happy there has been no loss of life. Me, and all the rest of us, will pick up the pieces again soon."

Mr Mohammed said he had only recently fitted new air-conditioners and invested in a new freezer.

"I still have to pay off the loan on those and now it is all gone," he added.