Strong winds stoke massive fire in Kurukshetra, Sirsa villages

Massive fire incidents were reported from various villages of Kurukshetra after strong winds on late Friday evening. As per information, fire broke out in fields and spread quickly to other fields, and even towards residential areas of the villages, including Diwana, Chaderbhan Pura, and Jyotisar.

Residents rushed out of their houses and started dousing the fire, but to no avail as the winds were very strong. Standing crops, trees, fodder, machines and other stuff were gutted.

Pehowa SDM Kapil Sharma said fire tenders were pressed into service and no injuries were reported. The exact loss was yet to be ascertained.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Sonu Bhatt said there were initial reports of fire in around six villages and the situation was under control. Due to the falling of a huge tree, traffic in Kurukshetra was disrupted, but the municipal council was on the job to remove the tree. The power department was also making efforts to restore electricity.

Meanwhile, a major fire broke out on Friday evening in the fields of Nathusari Chopta area in Sirsa district. The fire started near a small settlement at Rupana Khurd village around 5.30 PM and quickly spread to the nearby villages of Ludesar, Rupawas, and Nirban.

Over 500 acres of standing and harvested wheat crop was destroyed. Some solar-powered tube wells and houses in the fields were also damaged and several farmers suffered total crop losses.

Locals from nearby villages rushed in with water tankers and helped fight the flames. Santosh Beniwal, vice-president of the National Sarpanch Organisation, and Block Committee Chairman Surajbhan Bumra reached the site to assist people.

Beniwal told 'The Tribune' that she called the fire brigade around 6 pm, but it arrived nearly 1.5 hours late, allowing the fire to spread further. Eventually, the fire was brought under control with the help of villagers using tractors and trailers.

The authorities have issued a warning in nearby areas as strong winds continue to pose a risk.