Property worth lakhs destroyed as blaze engulfs thatched house in Balasore village

A late-night fire broke out in Tigiria village under the Basta police limits of Balasore district, reducing a thatched house to ashes and destroying property worth several lakhs of rupees. In the aftermath of the incident, one goat was charred to death in the incident, while the affected family has been left homeless.

According to sources, the fire started on Saturday night at the residence of a villager identified as Gourahari Patra. The flames quickly spread, engulfing his thatched house and an adjacent structure.

Neighbours rushed to the spot and attempted to douse the flames before informing the fire brigade. Fire services department personnel later arrived and brought the blaze under control, but by then the damage had already been done.

Property Reduced to Ashes

Reports added that household items, furniture, and other belongings worth lakhs were gutted in the fire. The blaze left little behind, with both houses completely destroyed. The family also lost a goat that was trapped inside and burnt alive, adding to the distress of the already devastated household.

Residents of Tigiria have urged the administration to extend urgent compensation and rehabilitation support to the affected family, describing their situation as critical and helpless.

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Cause of Fire Under Probe

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Police and fire officials said they are investigating whether it was triggered by an electrical short circuit, a cooking-related mishap, or some other source.

Meanwhile, the local administration has assured that damage assessment is underway and relief measures will be considered under disaster management provisions.