12 Kolkata: A day after a fire gutted a confectionery shop at Queen's Mansion on Park Street, cops said they are still awaiting confirmation of the exact cause of the fire. "Forensic experts were unable to visit the spot due to prior engagements. Once we get a prima facie opinion, a decision on the next legal action will be taken," an officer said. Cops are also seeking help from KMC in this regard, given the property is a grade I heritage structure.
Cops are awaiting a formal report, and, if required, a com-plaint from the fire departm-ent. "Unless we get the go-ahead from the fire department, power can't be restored to the three establishments in the affected block," an officer said.
Several residents complained about the lack of preparedness inside the building to fight a major fire, a charge denied by the owners, LIC. According to some residents, on Friday afternoon, fire brigade vehicles struggled to access water and firemen had to resort to filling their tenders from neighbouring buildings.
"There is no water sprinkler or smoke alarm. No water pipeline was installed on the stairs. Some fire extinguishers were put up a few years ago, but they have disappeared," sid Sudeshna Ray Chaudhuri, a resident. LIC claimed it has provisions for both overhead and underground tanks but accepted that a sprinkler system was difficult to install as "they are bound by rules that govern a heritage structure." Fire officials said they "could not locate the pump room at Queen's Mansion".