A devastating fire broke out in Puroik Colony, Itanagar, on Thursday, shortly after midnight, destroying eight houses and leaving several families homeless. No casualties were reported, but the blaze caused significant losses, with residential and rental property in Pappu Nallah area reduced to ashes, amounting to losses worth lakhs of rupees. The fire, suspected to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit, broke out at around 12.20 am, prompting a swift response from the fire department. Three fire tenders and 11 firefighters were deployed to the spot, and after a grueling operation lasting over three hours, the flames were finally brought under control, preventing further spread to adjoining structures.
Preliminary findings suggest that the blaze may have originated from an electrical short circuit in a rented house, based on the tenant’s statement. However, the exact cause will be established after completion of the investigation. The first fire tender reached the site within minutes of receiving the distress call, with two additional tenders joining the operation shortly after.
In the aftermath of the blaze, Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso, accompanied by officials of the Itanagar Capital Region district administration and the Ward 13 corporator, visited the fire-ravaged locality to assess the damage. Immediate relief was extended to the affected families and tenants, while the MLA instructed the district administration to undertake a detailed assessment of the losses to facilitate compensation for eligible victims under the prescribed government norms.
