Fire breaks out in Shimla village; 50 families rendered homeless
What's the story
More than three dozen houses were completely destroyed in a fire which broke out past midnight in Khasani village in Rohroo subdivision of Shimla district, about 130km from Shimla. As many as 50 families were rendered homeless in the blaze, officials said today. The fire spread fast and engulfed a large number of heavily timbered old houses with traditional wood carving. Here's more.
The blaze
Villagers fought the flames and stopped it from spreading
Villagers ran out of their houses in panic as the blaze swept. They fought the flames and stopped the fire from spreading to a cluster of about 150 houses. However, about 35 to 40 houses were reduced to ashes by the time the fire tenders from Rohroo and Kotkhai arrived at the spot. Fire officials too fought the flames for more than five hours.
Event
Homeless villagers provided immediate relief of Rs. 10,000
Sub Divisional Magistrate, Rohroo, Babu Ram Sharma, said 50 families rendered homeless by the blaze have been provided immediate relief of Rs. 10,000, temporary shelter, clothes, and ration. The cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained, Sharma said adding old houses were made of wood and immediately caught fire. The villagers said the fire was caused due to short-circuiting.
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Relief camps have been set up for victims
Deputy Commissioner, Shimla, Amit Kashyap, who reached the spot, said relief camps have been set up and community kitchen has been started for victims and all possible assistance was being rendered. He said revenue officers were assessing the loss.