Uttarkashi: A massive fire in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand has reduced nine houses to ashes, leaving 25 families homeless and causing the death of one woman. The fire was so intense that it took several hours to extinguish. The affected families have been assured of all possible help from the government.
A massive fire broke out on Sunday night in Savni village, located 45 kilometers from Mori tehsil headquarters, reducing nine buildings to ashes. All these buildings were made of deodar and pine wood, which intensified the fire. All the goods kept in these buildings were also burnt to ashes. A 76-year-old woman died due to burns in the fire.
First rescue team reached Savni after three and a half hours
Due to the darkness and a five-kilometer walk from Jakhol on the road, the first rescue team reached Savni after three and a half hours. However, before their arrival, the villagers managed to control the fire to some extent after much hard work. The fire was completely controlled by three o’clock in the night. Some villagers also sustained burns while extinguishing the fire. A similar massive fire occurred in Savni village in 2018, burning 39 houses and 100 cattle.
Villagers informed DDMA
The fire broke out in Kitab Singh’s house in Savni at around 9 PM on Sunday night. Since the house was made of wood, the fire quickly became fierce. When the fire began spreading from one house to another, the villagers of Jakhol village informed the District Disaster Management and Administration about it at around 11 PM.
Uttarkashi DM sought help from forest department, SJVN
Under the instructions of District Magistrate Dr. Mehraban Singh Bisht, medical, drinking water, and other departments were directed to reach the spot for relief and rescue operations. The District Magistrate also sought the help of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam, Tons Forest Division, and forest workers of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary for relief and rescue operations. The first team of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary reached the site for relief and rescue at around 12:30 AM.
Two houses have been completely demolished
Sub District Magistrate Devanand Sharma stated that the fire has been completely controlled. Police, SDRF, fire service, animal husbandry department, and forest department, along with the revenue department, are present on the spot. A total of nine houses in the village have been completely burnt, affecting about 15-16 families. Additionally, two houses have been completely demolished to save them from the fire, and three houses have been partially demolished.
Cause of fire is not clear yet
The cause of the fire is still unclear. It is believed that a puja diya burning in Kitab Singh’s house may have caused the fire. A total of 22-25 families have been affected by this fire. The District Disaster Management has confirmed that Bhama Devi (76), wife of Negi Singh, who was missing, died due to burn injuries.
