Noida: A fire broke out near Kherli Hafizpur village next to Dankaur railway station on Monday, destroying around 25 shanties and leaving several families homeless. The blaze spread rapidly through the cluster of temporary shanties, forcing residents to run for safety along with whatever belongings they could save.Eyewitnesses said the fire engulfed the shanties within minutes, leaving them with little to no time to save their belongings. Thick smoke and towering flames were visible from a considerable distance, creating chaos in the locality.Residents initially tried to control the blaze on their own, but their efforts failed as the flames intensified quickly. The fire department and local police were informed, and by the time firefighters reached the spot, most of the shanties had been reduced to ashes.Five fire tenders were deployed, and firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control after nearly two hours of continuous efforts.“About 20-25 huts were found on fire on the spot. The fire was completely extinguished with prompt action by the fire brigade team,” said Pradeep Kumar, chief fire officer, Gautam Buddha Nagar.While no casualties were reported, several families suffered heavy financial losses as cash, clothes, utensils, bedding and other household goods were destroyed in the blaze.Affected families are now forced to live in the open after losing their makeshift homes. Many appealed to the administration for compensation and immediate relief.Officers from Dankaur police station said that the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. An investigation has been initiated, and cops are trying to ascertain whether the blaze was caused by an electrical short circuit, negligence or any other reason, police added.
