Remains of the houses destroyed by fire at Lijaba Lijen Ward
in Mokokchung on Saturday.
- MOKOKCHUNG — Three
houses were destroyed in a devastating fire that broke out in the early hours
of Saturday at around 3:25 am in Lijaba Lijen Ward in Mokokchung town and also
caused significant damage to properties in adjoining areas.
- While there were no reports of casualties, the blaze has
left residents grappling with losses estimated in crores.
- Fire officials reported receiving an emergency call at 3:25
am prompting immediate dispatch of two fire tenders each from the North and
South Fire Stations in Mokokchung. The fire was believed to have originated in
the semi-RCC house of Lanumeren due to a short circuit, according to the
victim’s statement. It quickly spread to the neighbouring semi-RCC house of
Sentiwala and a newly constructed, unoccupied one-story building.
- It was reported that firefighting effort faced significant
challenges due to the area’s narrow pathways and lack of parking space. Fire
engines were forced to halt over 100 meters from the site, requiring the
connection of more than four delivery hose pipes to reach the blaze.
- “The houses are in close proximity, making it easy for the
inferno to spread,” an official at the scene explained. It took over two hours
of intense effort to bring the fire under control.
- Lanumeren’s property loss was estimated at INR 40 lakh,
while Sentiwala suffered damage worth INR 80 lakhs including cash. The newly
built unoccupied structure incurred losses of INR 25 lakh.
- A neighboring compound caught in the fire’s path lost lumber
and other property valued at INR 3 lakhs.
- Fire officials continue to investigate the exact cause,
though preliminary findings point to an electrical short circuit. Residents of
Lijaba Lijen Ward are now assessing the damage as the community rallies to
support those affected by the early morning tragedy.
