Kullu/Shimla, Feb 18,
A devastating fire broke out in Tandi village of Dhaogi panchayat, Sainj, Kullu district, on Monday evening, reducing a multistory wooden house, a furniture workshop, and two cowsheds to ashes. The estimated loss is believed to be in crores.
The fire started suddenly in the two-and-a-half-story house of Uttam Chand and Surendra Kumar. Strong winds fueled the flames, quickly engulfing nearby structures. The fire also partially damaged the sacred treasure house of local deity Brahm and an adjoining community structure.
Upon seeing thick smoke, villagers rushed to the site and worked tirelessly to contain the flames, preventing further damage to other houses. Fire department teams arrived promptly and took nearly four hours to bring the fire under control.
The villagers’ swift action saved the livestock by evacuating the animals from the burning cowsheds. Had the fire erupted at night, the damage could have been even more extensive.
Superintendent of Police Dr. Kartikeyan Gokul Chandran confirmed that there was no loss of life. However, the financial loss is estimated between ₹2 to ₹2.5 crore.
Vimla Thakur, head of Dhaogi panchayat, praised the community’s efforts in containing the fire and emphasized the need for better fire safety measures in wooden house-dominated villages. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
