Arunachal: Fire destroys 47 shops and houses at Tenga Market in West Kameng
A team of 11 firefighters from the Bomdila Fire Station, assisted by personnel from the Border Roads Organisation, the Army, and local police, managed to douse the flames.
ITANAGAR: A massive fire broke out at Tenga Market in West Kameng district early Saturday, reducing at least 47 shops and houses to ashes, officials said.
Additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Murnya Kakki said the fire broke out at around 3am and spread rapidly, engulfing homes and commercial establishments along the highway.
A team of 11 firefighters from the Bomdila Fire Station, assisted by personnel from the Border Roads Organisation, the Army, and local police, managed to douse the flames by 7am, he said.
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There were no casualties, though some individuals sustained minor injuries and were provided immediate medical assistance, Kakki added.
The district administration has set up a temporary relief camp at the Upper Primary School in Tenga and distributed an immediate relief amount of Rs 5,000 to each affected family.
Efforts are underway to support the victims, and an investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the fire, the ADC said, adding that a medical camp will also be set up to assist those affected.
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Meanwhile, Thrizino-Buragaon MLA Tenzin Nyima Glow visited the affected site and relief camps, assuring the victims of financial and logistical assistance.
It may be mentioned that similar incidents had occurred at the Tenga Market in December 2022 and February last year during which a total of sixteen houses, ten shops and six godowns were gutted.
Meanwhile, a defence communique stated that the Gajraj Corps of the Indian Army responded promptly upon receiving reports of the fire.
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“With no time to lose, Army personnel rushed to the scene with firefighting trucks, battling the raging flames to protect lives and property. Their swift response and coordinated efforts not only contained the fire but also provided immediate humanitarian support to distressed residents,” the statement said.
Highlighting the Army’s role in civil-military cooperation, Guwahat-based defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said, “This courageous act is yet another testament to the seamless civil-military cooperation, where the Indian Army stands as the first responder in times of crisis, always ready to safeguard the people.”
The Army remains committed to national security, humanitarian assistance, and nation-building, reaffirming its dedication to serving the nation, the spokesman added.
