DESK REPORT: At least thirty business establishments as well as dwelling houses were burnt to ashes in a devastating fire at remote Horina Bazar under Barkal upazila early hours on Tuesday.

The fire originated from an oven at around 12:30am on Tuesday and engulfed the surrounding areas within minutes, resulted 30 semi-pacca, corrugated tin shed shops and thatched houses were gutted, said Jewel Rana, Barkal upazila nirbahi offcier (UNO).

Receiving information, members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) from Chotohorina zone and locals rushed to the spot and tried to douse the flame. But they failed to distinguish the fire within few hours with their own efforts as there was no fire station due to inaccessibility. It took three to four hours to bring the fire under control, said UNO.

However, no one was hurt in the fire incident, said Jewel Rana.

Locals said that the extent of damage would be less if a fire station is there. The extent of damage would be around Tk 5 crores, said locals.

Sabir Kumar Chakma, member of Rangamati Hill District Council (RHDC), Jewel Rana, Barkal upazila nirbahi officer and Md. Mamun, chairman of Bhusionchhara union parishad, visited the scene.

As an instant aid, Tk 3 thousand has provided to each fire victims from the Barkal upazila administration.

Sabir Kumar assured the fire victims for financial assistance from the RHDC.