Uttarkashi: A massive fire broke out late Sunday night in Saavni village, Mori block, here Uttarakhand, reducing nine houses to ashes and displacing around 25 families, officials said. The inflammable wooden structures in the village led the flames to spread rapidly, while two houses had to be demolished to contain the fire, while three others were partially damaged, they added.
According to local authorities, the fire is suspected to have started from an oil lamp left burning during a prayer in one of the homes.
Soon after receiving information about the blaze, firefighting and rescue efforts were launched by police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire service, and forest department. Officials state that the relief materials, including; tents and food supplies, have been sent to the village, which is 5 kilometres from the nearest road and accessible only by foot.
District Magistrate Dr. Mehraban Singh Bisht has instructed additional teams to expedite relief efforts and collaborate with various departments, including Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam and the Tons Forest Division. A missing elderly woman has been reported, and search efforts are underway.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed concern and directed district officials to provide immediate relief and rehabilitation to the affected families. “I am in constant contact with the District Magistrate. All possible assistance will be provided to the victims,” Dhami posted on social media.
Locals alleged that they faced significant challenges in controlling the fire as the village had been without water for three days.
This incident follows a similar fire last year, highlighting the vulnerability of the village to such disasters.
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