RAUTAHAT, APRIL 29

A massive fire erupted in Brahmapuri village of Rajdevi Municipality-9 in Rautahat during the early hours of this morning, resulting in extensive damage to properties valued at nearly Rs 1.2 million.

The fire originated in the newly constructed concrete house with a corrugated steel roof owned by Bachchha Singh in Rajdevi Municipality-9 around 1:50 am today. Initial investigations by the Armed Border Security Force Nepal No. 11 Battalion revealed that the fire ignited from the kitchen's cooking fire while the family was asleep.

A prompt response from the Armed Police Force, local police, and villagers, supplemented by a fire engine from Gaur Municipality, managed to extinguish the blaze by 2:40 am, confirmed Superintendent of APF Bikram Humagain.

The fire, which spread rapidly, engulfed a motorcycle, three bicycles, wooden furniture, food grains including wheat and rice, utensils, and cash of one lakh rupees, along with the four-room house, as per Superintendent Humagain's preliminary report.

Superintendent Humagain urged residents to avoid cooking during windy conditions and refrain from activities involving fire during dry seasons. He also announced that awareness campaigns are being conducted by district authorities and the Armed Police Force units to educate the public about fire safety.