Port Blair, Nov. 13: In a major fire reported on the evening of Diwali on Nov. 12, 2023, two wooden buildings inside the Port Blair city were turned to ashes following the accident.

The first accident was reported at around 6.30 pm when a wooden structure at Phoenix Bay near Hotel TSG Emerald View caught fire. Soon after the call was received at the Fire HQ, Water Bouzers from the Head Quarter was diverted. Meanwhile all standby Water Bouzers were also diverted to the spot. Additional help was sought from the Indian Navy, who had also reached the spot. Apart from the above, the TSG Management had also arranged for water tankers to support firefighting. The fire fighters also received the support of the general public, who were seen helping the fire fighters.

The fire was finally brought under control by 9.25 pm though the entire building was turned to ashes. However, no human casualties were reported.

As the fire fighters had brought the fire under control, there was another call wherein a wooden structure at Dairy Farm Junction, next to Hotel MSM had caught fire. The building had three shops viz. a paint shop, a wheat mill and a Fair Price Shop. Soon after the call, all the vehicles at Phoenix Bay fire site were diverted to Dairy Farm.

The fire fighters with the help of general public could bring the fire under control by 12 midnight. No casualties were reported in the accident, but the entire building was turned to ashes.

The exact cause for the fire on a rainy evening in both the accidents is not yet confirmed. Investigation on both the cases is on by the authorities.