Kolkata (PTI): A devastating fire destroyed at least 236 shops at Asia's largest wholesale flower market in the commerical hub of Burrabazar here on Friday night.

There was, however, no casualty in the blaze which was brought under control after three hours, fire brigade sources said.

The police said at least 236 shops were destroyed by the fire in Jagannath Ghat near historic Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu).

Fire Brigade sources said 16 fire tenders were pressed into service to contain the blaze that started at around 8-30 pm at Jagannath Ghat beside Strand Road.

Police sources said a gas cylinder burst could have triggered the fire.

Strong wind from the Hoogly river helped the fire spread fast, City Police Commissioner Goutam Mohan Chakraborty said.

"The fire is devastating," he said.

A large crowd gathered at the spot and the police are had a tough time to cordon them off.

As Jagannath Ghat is situated under the Howrah Bridge which connects Howrah and the metropolis, road traffic to and from the city has come to a halt in the area. Hundreds of buses, taxis and private cars were stranded on Brabourne Road, Strand Road and Mahatma Gandhi in some of the busiest localities of Kolkata.

Firemen fought to protect the historic Howrah Bride from any damage. "Three fire tenders were positioned near the Bridge to prevenmt any damage to it," Chakraborty said.