Manipur: Fire destroys two houses in Ukhrul; properties worth lakhs damaged

Imphal: An intense fire broke out in the residential area of Tanglei Greenland in Manipur's Ukhrul district headquarters on Wednesday, reducing seven rooms across two houses and destroying properties worth several lakhs of rupees, Manipur Fire Service sources said on Thursday.

The fire, which started around 1 PM, destroyed several items inside the semi-pucca building structures. Smoke was seen billowing from a wooden house, and an LPG cylinder subsequently exploded.

The blaze completely gutted three rooms of a house belonging to Miranda Shimrah. The flames then spread to the neighbouring house.

The timely arrival of two fire tenders from the Ukhrul Fire Services, assistance from Assam Rifles, and active participation of local residents helped douse the fire and prevented it from spreading to nearby areas.

Officials stated that the fire could have been caused by a short circuit.

Miranda Shimrah said the property, worth Rs 12–14 lakh and including a TV, laptop, furniture, clothes, and gold kept in the house, was destroyed.

Casemi Phazang, the owner of the neighbouring house, said that four rooms on the first floor of his house were completely razed.

Several valuable items, including tables, chairs, almirahs, desks, benches, household materials, and important books, were charred in the fire.

Furniture, clothes, and other valuables, including Rs 30,000 in cash, were burnt to ashes, according to Casemi.

Fire service sources added that a case has been registered in this regard, and assessments of property losses are underway.