Chhendipada: Properties worth several lakh of rupees were gutted after fire engulfed four shops in Durgapur village under Jarapada police limits under this block in Angul district late Wednesday night.
According to locals, fire started at Gaya Sahu’s confectionary shop and spread its wings with time. The roof of Sahu’s shop being a thatched one, added fuel to the fire. The flame then engulfed another eatery, a grocery shop and a chicken counter.
Initially, the villagers attempted to douse the flame by throwing water. However, upon realising their failure in containing it, they informed the Chhendipada Fire Services department.
The fire fighters reached the spot and doused the flame, but by that time, the shops had been reduced to ashes.
While the cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained, fire sparkles from the hearth of Gaya Sahu’s shop is said to have caused the mishap.
Villagers urged Revenue department to assess the loss and provide compensation to the affected shopkeepers.
PNN
