Chhendipada: Properties worth lakhs of rupees were reduced to ashes after a massive fire broke out from an unknown source at Baghuabol village of Patakamunda panchayat under Chhendipada block in Angul district Saturday morning.
According to reports, fire broke out from the hay stacks of farmers–Sana Behera, Bipin Behera, Prabhakar Behera and Kalakar Behera at around 10 am this morning. The fire soon engulfed a nearby cattle shed and other sheds following which the cattle shed, a motorcycle, two bicycles and more than thousands of paddy bundles were completely gutted in the blaze.
On receipt of information, Chhendipada fire brigade reached the spot and doused the flames after two hours of restless operation.
According preliminary investigation by the fire personnel it was ascertained that the fire mishap took place due to an electrical short circuit.
Patakamunda Sarpanch Dileswar Swain and Revenue Inspector Dolagobinda Mallick visited the spot, conducted a probe and assured the affected families to provide government assistant, it was learnt.
PNN