Ten houses gutted in fire in HP

Mandi, May 25 (UNI) Ten houses were gutted completely in a devastating fire in Chhuchhal village of Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh late last night, but no loss of life was reported in the incident, police sources said today.

The fire, which began due to a short circuit in one of the houses at about 2230 hrs, soon engulfed other houses in Chhuchhal village, about 50 km from here.

The sources said local people fought with the fierce flames for over two hours in the absence of any fire-fighting tenders or equipment, but could not prevent the damage to the houses.

Mandi SDM and other senior revenue officials rushed to the fire site to supervise relief and rescue operations and provide immediate relief.

Besides announcing an immediate relief of Rs 10,000 each to the affected families, the district administration also distributed blankets and tents.

Irrigation and Public Health Minister Kaul Singh Thakur, in whose constituency the village falls, has expressed grief and sorrow over the incident and assured all possible help to the affected families.

UNI