Major fire in Shimla's British-era building

A major fire broke out in a British-era building in this Himachal Pradesh town early Tuesday, officials said.

The fire was reported in the top floor of the Gorton Castle, housing the office of Audit and Accountant General, a fire department official told IANS.

Deputy Commissioner Dinesh Malhotra said fire tenders of civil and the Indian Army have been pressed into service. He said the fire was on the top floor of the wooden building.

Sources said that most of records in the top floor were burnt.

Officials said the fire possibly broke out in the midnight.

So far, eight fire-tenders have been pressed in service.

Built with stone and timber, Gorton Castle represents the typical European architecture.