Dhaka, March 26 -- A fire has reduced as many as 20 shops to ashes in Khagrachhari's Dighinala Upazila.

The incident occurred around 1:30am on Wednesday at Boalkhali's Notun Bazar.

Four firefighting units were subsequently dispatched to the scene and tamed the fire after two hours, said Khagrachhari Fire Service Deputy Assistant Director Zaker Hossain.

The fire reportedly originated at a shop at night and spread very fast, according to witnesses. The structures affected by the fire include restaurants, grocery stores and furniture shops.

Dighinala Police Station chief Md Zakaria said the fire started at "Tripti Hotel" next to Larma Square in Boalkhali Bazar. However, officials have yet to determine the source of the fire.

"Four firef...