A fire incident was reported at Tsupilemjen sector of Settsü Village, Mokokchung on February 9 evening, leading to the complete destruction of a wooden plank dwelling house owned by Temsutoshi.

According to the Officer-in-Charge of the Fire Department, Mokokchung, Keleseho Stephen Tsükrü, the fire alarm was received at around 3:49 pm. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

Upon receiving the call, three fire tenders from the South Fire Station, Mokokchung, were immediately pressed into action. The firefighting operation was led by SI Nukenmayang Jamir, Officer-in-Charge, along with 11 personnel.

The fire department deployed three water tenders, which successfully brought the blaze under control and prevented it from spreading to adjacent houses. However, the affected wooden house was completely razed in the incident.

The estimated loss of property has been assessed at approximately ₹15 lakh. No casualties were reported.

The information was shared by the Fire Department authorities following an inquiry into the incident.

Narrating the incident, Sungjemmongla, wife of the house owner Temsutoshi stated that neither she nor her husband was at home at the time of the fire. Both of them were at work at a car wash located near Settsü Junction when the incident occurred.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

She informed that their twin daughters, Class V students, were inside the house having food after returning from school when the fire broke out. The children reportedly noticed the fire originating from their room and immediately alerted their aunt, who lives in the adjacent house. The information was then passed on to the parents.

While ttempts were made by family members and neighbours to douse the fire using nearby water, the wooden and thatched nature of the house caused the fire to spread rapidly, leaving no opportunity to salvage household items. Within a short period, the entire structure was engulfed in flames.

Sungjemmongla further stated that priority was given to preventing the fire from spreading to the two nearby houses, one belonging to her husband’s elder sister and another located just below their house until the fire department arrived.

On the possible cause of the fire, she said it remains unknown. She also mentioned that there was no electricity supply at the time, and dismissed the possibility of an electrical short circuit, adding that they were waiting for power restoration at their workplace when the incident took place.

The family reportedly lost all belongings in the fire, including household items, children’s school uniforms, books, and important documents. She stated that even basic items could not be retrieved. She also mentioned that wooden planks stored under the house for future use, along with a kitchen and veranda constructed two years ago, were completely destroyed.

At present, the family of four has taken temporary shelter at a relative’s residence in the same locality.