Massive Fire in Paonta Sahib Destroys 15 Huts, Leaving 100 People Homeless

Paonta Sahib, March 18: A devastating fire broke out on Monday evening in Girinagar, a locality in the Sirmaur district, completely destroying 15 huts belonging to the Gujjar community. The fire, which left about 100 people homeless, caused extensive damage, including the loss of household items, cash, and livestock.

The incident occurred around 5:30 PM, when a sudden blaze engulfed one of the huts in the area. The fire spread rapidly, fueled by the close proximity of the huts. Local authorities were immediately alerted, and the fire brigade team from the Paonta Sahib fire station rushed to the site to control the flames. However, the fire was so intense that it took several hours before it was finally brought under control by late evening.

According to initial reports from the fire department, the cause of the fire is suspected to be a short circuit. It is believed that a spark from the short circuit ignited a hut, and the fire quickly spread to neighboring structures, causing widespread destruction. By the time the fire was contained, the flames had ravaged not only the huts but also the household items, valuables, and other personal belongings of the affected families.

The fire’s impact was further exacerbated by the loss of livestock. Reports indicate that three to four cattle were trapped in the flames, adding to the suffering of the affected families. As a result, the families of Girinagar, already grappling with the loss of their homes, are now faced with the added burden of losing their means of livelihood.

The fire has left a significant part of the Gujjar community in distress, with many families now without shelter. As the affected individuals survey the damage, there is an air of uncertainty and fear about how they will rebuild their lives. With no homes left and their belongings destroyed, the victims are in dire need of both immediate and long-term assistance.

The local administration has quickly stepped in to offer support. In a statement, Paonta Sahib Fire Officer Ram Kumar praised the fire brigade’s prompt response, which prevented the fire from spreading to nearby areas. He also confirmed that the fire was controlled by late night, and efforts are underway to assess the total damage. Although estimates suggest the loss could be in the lakhs, the exact value will only be determined after a thorough assessment.

In response to the fire, the district administration has assured the affected families of all possible assistance. Emergency relief operations are currently being coordinated to provide immediate support to those who have lost their homes and possessions. Relief materials, such as clothing, food, and shelter, are being provided to the victims to help them cope with the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

The local administration is also expected to set up temporary shelters for the homeless families, and plans for long-term rehabilitation are being discussed. Financial aid, along with support for rebuilding the destroyed huts, will likely be part of the recovery plan.

In the wake of the tragedy, there has been an outpouring of support from the local community, as well as from social organizations and other citizens. Many are rallying to help the victims by donating food, clothes, and other essentials. Authorities have also promised to expedite the aid process to help the families recover from the loss.

As the investigation into the exact cause of the fire continues, the affected families remain hopeful that the support from both the government and the community will help them rebuild their lives and recover from the devastating loss.

The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the vulnerability of rural communities, where such fires can have catastrophic effects. Local officials have called for further awareness campaigns about fire safety to prevent similar accidents in the future.