Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
ADC Una residence fire causes major damage
Shimla/Una/Chamba, Nov 21,
Two separate fire incidents reported within hours in Una and Chamba districts on Friday have once again highlighted the growing vulnerability of Himachal Pradesh to accidental fires, especially with the prolonged dry spell persisting across the state.
ADC Una residence fire causes major damage
A mysterious fire broke out early Friday morning at the official residence of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in Una, causing extensive damage to the upper floor of the government house. According to officials, thick smoke and flames were noticed suddenly on the top storey, sparking concern in the neighbourhood.
Household articles— including a bed, LED television, upholstery, wooden furniture and other valuables—were quickly engulfed before firemen reached the spot. Teams from the Una Fire Station, led by Officer Ashok Rana, managed to contain the blaze after sustained firefighting efforts, preventing it from spreading to adjoining rooms.
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At the time of the incident, ADC Mahendra Pal Gurjar was away on official duty. His family members, present on the lower floor, remained unharmed. Though an electrical short circuit is suspected to have triggered the fire, a detailed investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause.
Midnight blaze in Chamba destroys shop and vehicles
In another incident reported around midnight in Jakhral village under Kilod Gram Panchayat of Chamba district’s Saluni subdivision, a fierce blaze reduced a shop and two parked vehicles to rubble. The fire is believed to have started in the shop belonging to Chain Singh and rented by Uttam, before spreading rapidly due to the dry conditions.
All goods stocked inside the shop were destroyed. A scooter owned by Vicky, son of Dayaram, and a vehicle belonging to Forest Guard Naveen Kumar were also completely gutted. Local residents, alerted by the flames, rushed to the spot and managed to stop the fire from reaching nearby homes, averting a larger disaster. Fire teams along with police from Kihar later brought the situation under control.
Gram Panchayat Pradhan Manju Bala has requested the district administration to release immediate assistance for the affected families. Tehsildar Saluni, Abhiraj Singh Thakur, said that losses to the shop have been assessed at around Rs 25,000. While existing rules do not permit instant financial relief for vehicles damaged in accidental fires, officials have instructed the Patwari to prepare necessary reports so that owners can pursue insurance claims. The cause of the fire is yet to be established.
With dry weather continuing in most parts of Himachal Pradesh, fire incidents have shown a noticeable increase over the past few weeks. Authorities have urged the public to follow electrical safety norms, avoid storing flammable items carelessly and report any smoke or sparks immediately to prevent escalation
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