People of Phungling, the district headquarters of Taplejung, are keeping vigil against fires.

A 50-strong team including policemen regularly watches the bazaar and its vicinity for chances of sparks that could destroy houses. Raja Maden, a member of the Community Group Reform Committee, said they are going to people’s doorsteps to create awareness against fires.

“During mid-March, there have been many incidents of fire. We have asked the local residents not to light candles,” said Maden.

Volunteers are also patrolling the areas as the SLC exams near. “Many students use candlelight for study but they are not careful about extinguishing them before going to sleep,” said committee Chairman Netra Khatiwada.

The Goshline area is said to be at high risk of fires. “A majority of the people here drink alcohol and don’t care about fires. We have discouraged people to light candles,” said Maden.

According to the District Disaster Management Committee, 102 houses were burnt to ashes in Phungling in the past decade. Forty-four houses were destroyed on March 23 last year while 41 were burnt down in March 2004.