Hyderabad, Dec 30 (IANS) 

A major fire broke out in a timber depot here and spread to an adjacent residential building in the early hours of Monday. There were no casualties, police said.

The fire completely destroyed the timber depot and sent panic among people in the surrounding neighbourhood in Musheerabad.

Fire fighting personnel battled for over six hours to douse the flames. Four fire engines were pressed into service after locals saw smoke emanating from the depot around 3.30 a.m. and alerted the fire department.

The huge flames spread to a residential apartment abutting the depot. However, the inmates had already vacated the flats following a warning by the police and fire officials. A few other buildings were also vacated as a precautionary measure.

Police suspect short circuit led to the fire. Residents alleged that authorities did not take action on their complaints about the timber depot continuing its activity in a residential area.

By:IANS