BANKE, May 15: A total of 22 fire incidents occurred in different parts of Banke district during the month of Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May), according to the Fire Control Division in Nepalgunj. Of these, 16 were caused by electrical short circuits.
The most severe fire took place at the medical store of Bheri Hospital in Nepalgunj, resulting in damages worth around Rs 10 million in medical supplies, said Dr Dakta Dhital, a member of the hospital development committee.
Fire Division in-charge Jhain Bahadur Khadka reported that major incidents were recorded in Dudhua Rural Municipality-2, Janaki Rural Municipality-2, Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality-1, and Kohalpur Municipality-1. He noted that most fires were triggered by electrical issues, although no human casualties have been reported.
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Khadka said the risk of fire has increased due to dry weather and lack of rainfall. However, prompt deployment of fire engines has prevented human losses.
The second most damaging fire in Nepalgunj occurred at Bhairi Karnali Suppliers, owned by Ruchibaisya, in Puraina (Ward 22). Goods worth approximately Rs 5 million, including mattresses and quilts, were destroyed in the incident, which took around five hours to control.
Firefighting efforts during the various incidents in Baisakh lasted between 1 hour 45 minutes to 5 hours. The department has kept three water-filled fire engines and one fire bike on standby at all times.
Some fires also affected wheat and sugarcane crops. Khadka urged locals to remain alert and take precautions to prevent future incidents.
