Ancient temple, two houses gutted as winter fires continue across Himachal
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, Dec 8,
In what has become a frequent trend this unusually dry winter, Himachal Pradesh woke up to yet another devastating fire incident—this time in Dhadei village of the Manikaran Valley—where two houses and a centuries-old deity temple were reduced to ashes in the intervening night of Sunday and Monday.
Residents were asleep when the flames erupted around midnight, quickly engulfing the tightly clustered structures. Within minutes, panic spread through the small settlement as villagers scrambled out of their homes, desperately attempting to contain the blaze with mud and water. Their efforts, however, could do little to halt the inferno.
By the time the Manikaran fire brigade arrived, the fire had already assumed massive proportions. Firefighters, assisted by locals, battled the flames for several hours before finally bringing the blaze under control. But the damage was extensive—two residential buildings, the revered village deity temple, valuable household stores, and nearly eighteen surrounding trees were completely destroyed.
Preliminary loss assessments run into crores, leaving the affected families in deep distress. The attendants of the deity expressed profound grief over the destruction of the ancient shrine, a socio-cultural centrepiece of the community.
Administrative teams reached the village in the early hours and have begun a detailed assessment to expedite compensation and rehabilitation. Villagers have urged the state government to provide an adequate relief package, stressing that rebuilding without immediate support will be impossible.
Winter turning into a season of fires in Himachal
The Dhadei blaze is the latest in a disturbing chain of fire incidents across Himachal Pradesh in the past two weeks, driven largely by exceptionally dry weather, a prolonged rain deficit, and plummeting night temperatures. Fire officials report that the combination of dry pine forests, traditional wooden hill architecture, and the increased use of heating devices has created a high-risk environment.
As per media report compilations from the past 15 days, Shimla district has witnessed multiple house fires in Rohru, Jubbal, and Chopal, along with two forest fire incidents near Mashobra and Naldehra. Kullu district has reported three major house fires—including the latest Manikaran Valley blaze—and a commercial building fire in Banjar. Mandi district has recorded at least four fire accidents in Gohar, Sundernagar, and surrounding areas. Kangra has seen two house fires and scattered forest fire cases from its lower regions, while Una and Hamirpur have reported several small-scale house fires, many triggered by short circuits or malfunctioning heating appliances.
In all, over 25 fire incidents have been reported statewide in roughly the last 15 days, an unusually high number for early winter.
Fire authorities have repeatedly urged residents—especially those living in traditional wooden homes—to follow safety precautions, service electrical connections, avoid makeshift heating setups, and maintain clear buffer spaces around houses.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
