The fire continued to rage in the 13-storeyed Nandaram Market building in the Burrabazar area of Kolkata, the biggest wholesale market in the country, where the blaze destroyed about 3,000 shops housed in several buildings since early Saturday.

Several cracks have appeared in the front part of the Nandaram Market building and flames were seen raging from the top floors, Commissioner of Police Gautam Mohan Chakraborty said.

But engineers at the site were of the opinion that it would not immediately collapse, he said adding that residents of nearby areas were moved to safer places.

Chakraborty said he was hopeful that personnel of the Army and fire brigade would be able to bring the fire under control during the day.

The intense heat generated by the fire was absorbing the water sprayed and causing the flames to spread, he said, adding that a continuous supply of water was needed.

An explosion, probably caused by diesel stacked in the generator room on the 13th floor of Nandaram market, occurred on Sunday evening. The police commissioner said no more explosions were reported during the night.

All roads in the area remained closed with over 50 fire tenders, including those of the Army and Air Force, trying to douse the fire.