Over 100 huts gutted as fire engulfs slum in Patna

PATNA: Over 100 huts were gutted in a fire that broke out in a slum area near Lok Nayak Jaiprakash Narayan Hospital under the Shastri Nagar police station area in the city on Thursday, triggering a series of gas cylinder explosions. More than 20 fire tenders took hours to control the blaze. There was, however, no report of any casualty.
"We rushed to the spot soon after getting the information. The rescue operations began immediately and the fire was brought under control. Several people who live in the area have lost their valuables. Some of them, however, managed to pull out their possessions," an official said, adding the fire was probably triggered by a short circuit in a hut.
The incident took place around 1.30pm. Senior officers, including DG fire services Shobha Ahotkar, Patna DM Chandrashekhar Singh, SSP Rajiv Mishra, SDO Patna Sadar, ASP secretariat and SHO of Shastri Nagar police station rushed to the spot.
The DM said the fire was immediately brought under control. "Thanks to timely action, the fire did not spread to the other parts of the slum area. About 400 huts were saved. No person was injured in the fire. However, seven animals died," Singh said.
The DM has asked the officials concerned to conduct an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire. "At least 10-12 cylinders in the huts exploded. As a result, the flames engulfed about 100 huts," Singh said, adding officials have been asked to make a list of affected families and provide a compensation of Rs 9,800 per family within 24 hours.
"Biscuits were immediately provided to the children. Flattened rice and jaggery have been made available to the people. Dry ration is also being made available to the affected families. A community kitchen will be run at the D B Sahay High School. Arrangements have been made for polythene sheets and tents. Drinking water and toilet facilities, medical team and other arrangements have also been made. Veterinary doctors have also been deployed," the DM said.