Una (Kameshwar Sharma): A major fire broke out on Saturday afternoon in the Lal Singh area near Una, causing panic after rapidly engulfing migrant workers’ slum settlements. The blaze spread quickly and destroyed more than 36 huts, with local reports suggesting the number could be as high as 50.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire is believed to have started from a cooking stove inside one of the huts. Strong winds then accelerated the spread of flames, quickly engulfing nearby structures.
The fire caused extensive damage, burning cash, jewellery, clothes, food supplies, and all essential household belongings of the residents. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported in the incident. However, the financial loss is estimated to be in the range of several lakhs of rupees.
Affected families stated that they pay around ₹500 per month as rent to the landowner for living in the area, yet basic facilities such as safety measures and infrastructure have not been provided. They also claimed that similar fire incidents have occurred in the past, but no permanent solution has been implemented so far.
Upon receiving the alert, fire brigade teams rushed to the spot. Around eight fire tenders were deployed, and firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control after significant efforts. Fire officer Suresh Kumar confirmed that the spread of fire was largely contained in time, while the exact cause is still under investigation.
The district administration also reached the site and has begun assessing the damage. Immediate relief assistance is being arranged for the affected families. Meanwhile, several families have been forced to spend the night under open skies, awaiting urgent help.
