The fire that started from a cowshed of local Gulab Sah in Arnaha spread in the area destroying five houses, including two houses of his own and three other houses belonging to his neighbours Mohamad Haider, Mohamad Abdul and Mohamad Najir, according to District Police Office, Saptari.

In the fire, food items, clothes, cash and other properties collectively worth Rs 1,000,000 housed inside the five buildings were burned to cinders, informed police.

Police with the help of locals and a fire engine from Rajbiraj Municipality brought the fire under control.

Meanwhile, further investigation into the case is underway, said police.