Balikuda: At least 10 rooms of the thatched houses of three families were gutted in a fire mishap at Mandarkana village of Osokana panchayat under Balikuda block in Jagatsinghpur district late Saturday night.
According to reports, the massive fire broke out following an electrical short circuit at Sanjay Swain’s house. The fire soon engulfed other neighbouring houses as well. Although villagers tried to douse the flames by splashing water, their attempts went in vain.
Later, the fire service personnel rushed to the spot and doused the blaze. Properties worth more than Rs 10 lakh have been reportedly reduced to ashes. The locals have demanded compensation for the families affected.
PNN