Forest fire destroys 13 houses in Khotang

Khotang, April 25: A fire spread from a community forest has destroyed 13 houses of Barahpokhari rural municipality-1, Barahpokhari The fire broke out at Barahpokhari community forest gutted 13 houses, seven lofts and two sheds. Details of the loss incurred by fire is yet to be received. According to Barahpokhari-1 ward chair Dhak Bahadur Karki, two houses and lofts of Mohanlal Thapa Magar of Bhirgaun, one house and three lofts of Purna Bahadur Magar, house of Bhadra Singh Magar and two cowsheds, house of Subash Thapa Magar and scaffolding and house of Madan Thapa Magar were gutted in the fire. The fire destroyed two houses and two lofts, 40 goats, half tola gold and Rs 50,000 in cash of Gangamaya Magar of Dancingtar. Likewise, the fire has gutted houses of Suman Magar of Khorsane village, Lekhraj Khatiwada of Gahate, Hom Bahadur Katawal and Padma Bahadur Katawal of Dandakharka village, among others. The Armed Police Force, Nepal Police and local residents have been trying to douse the fire, but it has not been successful, said Bhuwan Shrestha, a local. According to the police, 109 fire incidents have so far taken place in the district since last mid-July, causing damage of property worth Rs 40.9 million.