Twelve shops were damaged in a fire at Rajshahi New Market early today.

According to Md Didarul Alam, assistant director of Rajshahi Fire Service and Civil Defence, the blaze that started around 12:30am might have originated from an electric short circuit.

On information, seven firefighting units responded to the incident and brought the situation under control within 1:50am.

Meanwhile, a firefighter fell ill while battling the fire. He is currently undergoing treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, the fire service official said.