Cause of fire: All grope in the dark

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, May 3: The administration and affected people have been groping in the dark to ascertain the cause of the devastating fire that charred around 40 houses in the Ambari area in the city last night.

While it has been reported that the fire occurred due to multiple cylinder blasts, the administration has ordered an investigation into the reason or reasons that led to the cylinder blasts.

The government has also asked its Fire and Emergency services to find out haphazard construction of houses in the city.

An inhabitant from the locality said that some sparks were seen on the electric wires that led to the cylinder blasts. Raju, a vendor who was living with three others in the area in single room on rent, said the fire spread from a source of smoke that was used to repel mosquitoes.

Some others said that there has been a dispute in the family which owns the area. The fire might be a conspiracy. The family, however, does not stay there. The police are investigating all angles.

Guwahati Police Commissioner Hiren th said that there has been negligence on the part of people in constructing their houses. He said that immediate action would be taken against house owners committing such ‘crimil negligence’.

Inspector General, Fire and Emergency Services, Satyen Gogoi said that the reason behind the fire is unknown. “A report will be prepared from the investigation. The report will be submitted to the Home Department,” Gogoi said, and added that slum-like areas around the city are vulnerable to catch fire from short circuits. Inhabitants often resort to pilfer power from main cables by hooking. Such practices often lead to fire incidents.

“It is difficult for cranes to enter such areas. The electricity and telephone cables that hang from either side of roads often create problems for cranes to reach such spots on time. Water pipes from the crane somehow reached the fire spot yesterday. The construction was haphazard in the area,” Gogoi said.