RAUTAHAT:  Property worth Rs 1.7million was destroyed when 16 houses were gutted in a fire in Dipahi and Prempur Gonahi VDCs of Rautahat district on Sunday.

The heap of hay kept at the yard of Mariyum Khatun sparked the fire that destroyed four other neighbouring houses at around 1:30 pm in Uchidiha Tole of Prempur Gonahi VDC-8 of the district.

Taking help from the locals, a team deployed from the Area Police Office, Shiva Nagar doused the fire, but could not save the houses and other valuables belonging to Prabhu Mahato, Sanip Ansari, Hanip Ansari, Nasir Ansari and Khatun.

According to Inspector Birendra Paswan, property worth Rs 500,000 was destroyed in this incident.

Similarly, 11 mud houses were gutted at around 4:20 pm in Dipahi VDC-2 of the district.

The fire sparked from the house belonging to Jiyalal Pandit of the VDC destroyed the houses, said Paswan.

As many as 40 security personnel deployed from the Area Police Office, Garuda, doused the fire in an hour with the help of locals and a fire engine, added Paswan.

Details of the incidents are awaited, informed Paswan.