GUWAHATI: Seven families were left homeless after a major fire destroyed two wooden residential blocks near Shri Satguru Kabir Ashram at Kenches Trace, Zig-Zag Road, Rilbong, on Saturday, August 1. No human or animal casualties were reported.
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According to reports, the fire was reported at around 4:37 pm, following which two fire tenders from Iewduh Fire Station reached the spot within seven minutes. However, the structures were already engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrived.
Personnel from the 117 Territorial Army also joined the firefighting operation, helping bring the blaze under control within around 40 minutes. The fire was completely extinguished after nearly three hours.
Firefighters also managed to prevent the blaze from spreading to the main Ashram building, a nearby cowshed and adjoining rooms. Residents rescued several cows from the shed before the fire could the area.
The affected families could not save most of their household belongings due to the rapid spread of the blaze. The fire spread quickly due to the age and wooden construction of the buildings, which were reportedly more than 60 years old and built in the traditional semi-Assam style.
The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, although a suspected electrical short circuit is being considered.
Local MLA and Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai visited the site and took stock of the situation. Authorities are making arrangements to provide temporary shelter for the displaced families.