A dozen makeshift firecracker shops were gutted as a fierce fire broke out in northern India's Uttar Pradesh state.

The incident took place on October 26 in a market in Sultanpura region of Agra, reports said. This came only the day before Diwali, the popular Hindu holiday in which fireworks are often used in huge amounts to celebrate.

People can be seen moving belongings from one side of the road to the other, fearing their safety.

According to the reports, residents alleged negligence on the organiser's part and said adequate arrangements for firefighting weren't made.

The shopkeepers and customers, who were engaged in last-minute shopping, evacuated the vicinity after the fire broke out.

Several fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the flame.

The police personnel diverted the route and alerted the riders to avoid further damage.

Officials said no loss of human life was reported.

The reason behind the blaze is yet unknown, though another report said a stray burning firecracker may have caused the flame.