Bank building gutted in fire

Mandi, Apr 22 (UNI) Buildings of a Punjab and Sindh Bank and Himachal Emporium of Khadi Boards were gutted in a devastating fire that broke out in Mandi town of Himachal Pradesh early this morning.

Property estimated to be worth several thousand rupees was destroyed in the fire, which spread from a general store in Mandi town and soon engulfed the bank and HP Khadi Board buildings.

However, no loss of life was reported in the incident.

Police said a passerby first noticed the fire and informed the police and the fire brigade officials who fought with the flames for over three hours before bringing it under control.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known but police said that it spread fast because of the highly inflammable oily Deodar timber that had been used extensively in the building.

Adequate water was available in the recently set up 150 fire hydrants in the town and proved handy for the fire tenders that were requisitioned from the adjoining areas of Pandoh and Sundernagar, police said.

UNI XC AS PA HT1838