Dozens of huts gutted in massive fire

About three dozen huts and 18 paddy grain dumps were gutted in a massive fire in R S Pura sector of Jammu and Kashmir, an official said today.

The fire in the Kalali Tiba village broke out last evening and spread rapidly due to strong winds which swept parts of Jammu region, Deputy Director, Fire and Emergency Services, R C Raina told PTI.

Fire tenders from nearby stations were rushed to douse the flame.

Eight fire tenders were on the job and managed to restrict the fire after night-long operation. Out of 150 kullas (mud houses), 31 were gutted along with 18 paddy grain dumps and a number of cowsheds, Raina, who led the fire-fighting operation, said.

He said five fire tenders were still on the ground as the clearance operation was still continuing.

Raina said the cause of the fire was not known immediately but it is suspected that the fire was caused by a short-circuit.

He said senior revenue officials are on the spot to assess the damage.