Properties worth Rs 10 cr gutted in Kullu village massive fire

A major fire broke out in Tandi village in Jibhi valley of Banjar subdivision today, destroying around 20 houses, including fodder and cow sheds. According to preliminary reports, the fire started in a fodder shed and quickly spread to nearby wooden houses, fuelled by firewood and fodder stored for the winter. Villagers made desperate attempts to contain the flames, but the intensity of the fire overwhelmed their efforts.

Fire tenders were rushed from Banjar, Largi, and Kullu, but the blaze remained uncontrolled till the report was filed. Banjar Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Pankaj Sharma confirmed that while five houses were saved, the primary damage is estimated at around Rs 10 crore. Thankfully, there were no casualties or loss of livestock, as animals were moved to safety.

The SDM added that the fire also destroyed ornaments and jewellery stored in the ‘Kothi’ (store) of the local deity Gadpati Sheshnag, further escalating the losses. Relief materials, including food, blankets, and other essentials, are being distributed to affected families, and arrangements for temporary shelters are underway. Tents may be pitched if required to provide immediate housing for those rendered homeless.

While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, authorities have announced a magisterial inquiry into the incident. Eyewitnesses reported that flames continued to threaten neighbouring houses, and firefighters, alongside villagers from nearby areas, were working tirelessly to contain the fire and evacuate remaining homes.

This tragedy highlights the recurring issue of fire incidents in Kullu’s remote villages, where traditional Kath-Kuni architecture — wooden houses built close to one another — makes them particularly vulnerable. Over the past few years, Kullu district has witnessed several similar incidents, prompting the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) to propose installing RCC and prefabricated water tanks, pipelines, and fire hydrants in densely populated villages. However, progress on this initiative has been slow, leaving many areas without proper fire safety infrastructure.

The fire in Tandi village serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for effective measures to mitigate fire hazards in remote areas. Meanwhile, the district administration continues its efforts to provide relief to the affected families.