Infernos engulfs 200 Apple trees and livestock in Himachal’s Samot village
Shimla, Jan 27,
Samot village in Jubbal tehsil witnessed a tragic incident on the morning of January 27, 2025, as a massive fire broke out around 10:30 AM. The fire started in the apple orchard belonging to Surendra Dan Singta, son of the late Padam Singh, resulting in extensive damage to both his orchard and livestock.
The fire engulfed approximately 200 apple and pear trees, which were reduced to ashes, causing a significant loss to the farmer. Alongside this, it spread to the adjoining cowshed, leading to the unfortunate death of a cow. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the dry spell and drought-like conditions prevailing in the region are suspected to have contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze.
The incident has brought to light the increasing threat posed by frequent fire outbreaks in the state, exacerbated by prolonged dry weather conditions. Local residents, along with firefighters and police personnel, worked tirelessly to contain the flames. Their swift action prevented the fire from spreading further and causing additional damage to nearby properties.
Speaking about the incident, Surendra Dan Singta expressed deep anguish over the loss of his orchard and livestock, which were his primary sources of livelihood. The community has rallied around him, providing support and assistance in these challenging times.
This fire is yet another reminder of the pressing need for measures to combat the rising fire incidents in Himachal Pradesh, particularly during the dry season. Experts have called for increased awareness among locals about fire safety and the implementation of precautionary steps, such as clearing dry vegetation near orchards and properties.
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