Fire sweeps through Himachal village

SHIMLA - Fire swept through a village in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district Saturday, reducing at least 40 houses to ashes, police said. There was no loss of life.

“The fire in Jawaghi village in Ani subdivision started around 3 p.m. and destroyed most of the houses within a few hours. However, it was controlled by evening,” Superintendent of Police K.K. Indoria told IANS on phone.

He said since the village, some 150 km from the district headquarters of Kullu, is not connected by road, it took time for the rescue workers to reach the spot.

“Blankets, quilts, tents, food items and medicines have been provided to the affected families,” Deputy Commssioners B.M. Nanta said.

“The exact cause of the fire and estimated losses are being worked out,” he added.