Rangunia (Chattogram) Correspondent: Mohammad Osman Goni

A devastating fire broke out in Haji Para area of Pomra Union in Rangunia Upazila of Chattogram on Thursday (October 8) at around 2:00 pm, completely destroying a residential house. Furniture, cash, essential documents, household items and other valuables were reportedly destroyed in the fire, causing extensive damage to the affected family.

According to local residents and eyewitnesses, the fire suddenly broke out at the residential house in Haji Para under Ward No. 1 of Pomra Union in the afternoon. Although the fire initially started in one part of the house, it quickly spread throughout the building. Within a very short time, the flames engulfed the entire house, creating panic among people living in the surrounding area.

After noticing the fire, local residents immediately rushed to the scene and began efforts to bring it under control. At the same time, the Rangunia Fire Service was informed about the incident. Local residents and young people joined the emergency efforts, using water to fight the flames and attempting to move people and essential belongings away from nearby houses to safer locations.

Later, firefighters from the Rangunia Fire Service arrived at the scene and began working to control the blaze. Although the fire was eventually brought under control through the combined efforts of firefighters and local residents, the house had already been almost completely destroyed by then. Furniture, clothing, household necessities and other belongings inside the house were also severely damaged or completely destroyed.

Local residents said the situation could have become much more serious if people from the surrounding area had not responded quickly after the fire broke out. Several houses are located near the affected residence, creating a risk of the flames spreading to neighboring properties. The immediate and coordinated efforts of local youths helped prevent the fire from spreading to nearby houses, thereby avoiding potentially greater damage.

Several local youths reportedly became ill while trying to extinguish the fire because of the intense smoke and extreme heat at the scene. However, details about their condition were not immediately available.

Members of the affected family said that almost nothing inside the house could be salvaged. Furniture, clothing, necessary household items, cash and other belongings were destroyed in the fire. As a result, the family has suffered a significant financial loss. However, the exact amount of the damage could not be determined immediately.

Preliminary assumptions suggest that the fire may have originated from an electrical short circuit or from a gas stove or cooking-related source in the kitchen. However, the exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. The actual cause may become clear after further investigation or assessment by the relevant authorities.

Local residents said the affected family is now facing serious hardship after losing their home and belongings in the fire. They stressed the need for immediate assistance for the family and called upon local representatives, authorities, well-off individuals and social organizations to come forward and support them during this difficult time.

Following news of the incident, a large number of local residents gathered at the scene. Many people visited the affected family, inquired about their situation and expressed sympathy. Residents also praised the local youths for their quick response and united efforts in preventing the fire from spreading.

According to local residents, such fires can spread rapidly in densely populated areas if they are not brought under control immediately. They emphasized the importance of increasing fire-safety awareness in the community, regularly checking electrical connections and exercising extra caution while using gas cylinders, stoves and other cooking equipment.

Although the residential house in Haji Para of Pomra Union was completely destroyed in the fire, the quick response of local residents and the efforts of the fire service prevented the flames from spreading to nearby houses. The total financial loss suffered by the affected family will be known after a detailed assessment.