Kochi: A fire broke out in a dry grassy area behind Maradu World Market in Nettoor here on Wednesday afternoon. Nearby parked vehicles and a functioning warehouse added to the severity of the situation.

The fire brigade from the Gandhinagar Fire Station reached the spot and successfully extinguished the blaze along with the market employees, workers and local residents.

The fire, challenged by strong winds has caused considerable smoke in the area.

Reportedly, the prime focus was to move the nearby parked vehicles out of the vicinity to prevent more damage. An additional fire brigade will join the efforts shortly and the officials have confirmed that the situation was under control.