ITANAGAR : A fire triggered by a suspected electrical short circuit destroyed eight houses and left several families homeless here shortly after midnight on Thursday, officials said.

Although no casualties were reported, the blaze reduced residential and rental property at Pappu Nallah area to ashes and caused losses worth lakhs of rupees.

The fire broke out at Puroik Colony around 12.20 am, following which three fire tenders and 11 firefighters were deployed to the spot.

After an operation lasting over three hours, the flames were brought under control, preventing further spread to adjoining structures, officials added.

Officials said preliminary findings indicate that the blaze may have originated from an electrical short circuit in a rented house, based on the tenant’s statement.

The exact cause, however, will be established after completion of the investigation.

Officials said the first fire tender reached the site within minutes of receiving the distress call, while two additional tenders joined the operation.

Later in the day, Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso, accompanied by officials of the Itanagar Capital Region district administration and the Ward No 13 corporator, visited the fire-ravaged locality to assess the damage.

Immediate relief was extended to the affected families and tenants, while the MLA instructed the district administration to undertake a detailed assessment of the losses to facilitate compensation for eligible victims under the prescribed government norms. (Source: PTI)