Shimla Fire: 35 to 40 houses were reduced to ashes, 50 families homeless

Shimla Fire: More than 30 houses destroyed, families become homeless

In a major fire in Shimla, more than three dozen houses were completely destroyed in a fire which broke out past midnight in Khasani village in sub division of Shimla district.

As many as 50 families went homeless in the blaze. The fire spread fast and took over a large number of heavily timbered old houses with traditional wood carving.

35 to 40 houses were reduced to ashes by the time the fire tenders from Rohroo and Kotkhai arrived at the spot.

The villagers fought the flames and stopped the fire from spreading to about 150 houses.

Sub Divisional Magistrate, Rohroo, Babu Ram Sharma, said 50 families rendered homeless by the blaze have been provided immediate relief of Rs 10,000, temporary shelter, clothes and ration.

The cause of fire was yet to be ascertained, he said. However, the villagers said the fire was caused due to short circuiting and spread fast leaving no time to salvage the belongings which were reduced to ashes.

-PTC News