Forest fire beaten down in Namchi, major calamity averted

NAMCHI, 15 March: Prompt action by Namchi Fire Station personnel and able cooperation from the residents ensured that a runaway forest fire was brought under control in time yesterday and property worth lakhs which the fire had potential to consume, saved.
A major fire broke out yesterday at around 1:30 pm here at Upper Ghurpisey on the private land holding of Laxmi Prasad Chettri, Bir Bdr. Chettri and Hom Bdr. Chettri. The Namchi fire station was alerted but when the team reached the spot, they had to improvise on the spot when they found the spot not approachable by road. A 500 ft span of hosepipe was pressed into service and the fire doused after an hour of intense firefighting, informs PI, Namchi Fire Station, IK Rai. Two fire tenders were used in the operation.
Although the cause of the fire is still under investigation, the PI has applauded the able assistance provided by the locals in extinguishing the fire.
Though the fire occurred on a private holding, it posed a serious threat to a clutch of residential houses nearby. The houses of Bhagirath Sharma, Laxmi Psd. Chettri and Dawa Bhutia are located exactly above the spot where the fire broke out and ensuring that flames did not spread towards the posed the biggest challenge for the fire personnel yesterday.
The locals have extended their gratitude towards the Namchi Fire personnel for their prompt action.