Vijayawada: A minor fire broke out at a private exhibition at Sitara Centre in the city, destroying 15 stalls around 12:30 pm on Wednesday.

According to fire service authorities, the fire started when a kerosene stove was being lit at a stall to cook food. The flames quickly spread to a neighbouring stall, destroying toys and ceramic items. The intense heat also caused four LPG cylinders to explode.

Six fire tenders were deployed, and the blaze was brought under control in about 80 minutes.
Preliminary estimates suggest that property worth Rs 6 lakh to Rs 10 lakh was gutted. No injuries or casualties were reported.
The police have registered a case, and an investigation is underway.