One dies, 18 houses destroyed in Rukum West fire

By Raju Lamichhane, Rukum West, Apr. 23: One individual died and 18 houses turned into ashes in a fire incident in Rukum West. Additionally, the fire also claimed livestock and put 90 houses at risk. 

According to the district police office, the fire originating from Dharpakha Community Forest on Sunday entered Darkote village spreading across Nepane of Banphikot Rural Municpality-3. 

Budi Kami, 70, a resident of Banphikot Rural Municpality-3, died in the incident while trying to retrieve jewellery from her house during the fire.

Nawaraj Pokhrel, Deputy Superintendent of the Police, said that 10 houses in Ward No. 2  and eight houses in Ward No. 3 were destroyed in the fire. Additionally, one ox, one cow and three goats kept in the house of Dhana Bahadur Bohara, a local, died in the incident and several other livestock were injured. 

Meanwhile, the ward office has started collecting data on damages caused by the fire. Ward chair of Ward No. 3 Tilbir KC said that the fire in the area of Ward No. 3 was taken under control but the fire in Ward No. 2 was yet to be doused. 

Ward chair of Ward No. 2 Prakash Khatri said that two houses in Nette and eight in Mege and Kalajute in the ward were gutted in the fire. He said no human casualty was reported. 

According to Khatri, the uncontrolled fire had put the Rattakate and Bhate settlements at high risk. There are around 90 houses in these two settlements. Despite efforts by the locals to control the fire, they have been unsuccessful. 

After the fire went out of control, locals have been urged to remain vigilant and secure their belongings. Fear of the fire has forced locals to stay awake throughout the night. 

The District Police Office has dispatched a team of security personnel from the district to the affected area. The cause of the fire remains unknown.