The fire started from the house of a local, Karna Bahadur Magar, at around 8 pm yesterday due to short circuit and burnt down properties.

It destroyed property worth five million rupees including the house, according to the preliminary report of the police office in Mangalbare, Ilam.

Likewise, the fire also destroyed property worth three million rupees each of two locals Til Bahadur and Ram Tamang.

Victim Karna Bahadur grieved, "The fire broke out all of a sudden. We could not take out anything from the home.All our belongings turned into ashes in no time," Karna Bahadur said.

The fire was doused at around 11 pm, with the help of the locals, security personnel and fire engines.

To prevent the further damage, the local electricity authority cut off the power line around Mangalbare and Jitpur.

It is learnt that the Red Cross Society is to provide the relief materials to the victims. RSS