Khotang, February 17 – A massive fire broke out on Sunday evening in the religiously significant Halesi Bazaar, causing extensive damage to property but thankfully sparing any human lives. The fire, which erupted around 6 PM in the kitchen of Padam Rai’s house in Mahadevsthan, Halesi Tuwachung Municipality-7, was brought under control after four hours of coordinated efforts by locals and security forces.
The fire, reportedly caused by a gas cylinder leak while cooking dinner, quickly engulfed the house, spreading to nearby structures. It destroyed Padam Rai’s house, his hardware shop, the office of Nirdhan Utthan Microfinance, and the homes of Airaj Rai and Prakash Chandra Giri. Preliminary assessments suggest property losses exceeding NPR 10 million (one crore).
Inspector Hemant Rai of the Area Police Office in Halesi highlighted the challenges faced in controlling the blaze due to the acute water shortage in the drought-prone area. “Two houses were completely destroyed, and one sustained partial damage. Efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the losses,” he said.
The absence of fire engines further exacerbated the situation. Local resident Sandhya Rai lamented the lack of immediate response mechanisms, stating, “The fire could have been controlled sooner if proper firefighting resources were available. The damage has been immense.”
Despite the devastating property loss, the joint response by locals and teams from all three security agencies in the district successfully prevented the fire from spreading further in the densely packed bazaar.
Halesi Bazaar, a hub of cultural and religious significance, is often bustling with pilgrims and tourists visiting the revered Halesi Mahadevsthan. This incident has raised concerns about disaster preparedness and the need for fire safety measures in the area.
Authorities have pledged to investigate the incident thoroughly and assist affected families in rebuilding their lives. Meanwhile, this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of equipping vulnerable communities with essential firefighting infrastructure and resources.
Ecosphere News will continue to monitor and report on the developments related to this incident.
