Port Blair, Sept. 18: In a major fire accident at Babu Lane, Port Blair, a wooden building housing a private lodge named KK Lodge was turned to ashes today at around 3.00 pm.

According to reports a fire call was received at 101 at 3.15 pm regarding the accident. Having sensed the gravity of the accident, the A&N Fire Services activated all the fire stations in and around Port Blair city including the Fire Head Quarters. Fire tenders, Water Bouzer and Fire Rescue Tenders were called from Fire Stations Chatham, Marine, Haddo, Garacharma and Fire Head Quarters to control the fire, which took around one hour.

Reports further add that the fire was brought under control at around 3.52 pm and was later fully controlled at around 4.15 Hrs.  

As such there was no loss of life but a total loss of property worth Rs. 5 Lakh approx is estimated. Timely action of fire services could save approx Rs. 4.5 Lakhs worth the property and around Rs. 5 Crore (surround risk). The cause of the fire is being investigated. Reports also indicate that the gutted property was insured for an amount of Rs. 15 Lakhs.

The news of fire at Babu Lane had brought a shiver in the minds of people, who were reminded of the major fire in the same area in the end of 90s which had rendered many homeless.