Fire in Chunikhel destroys homes, displaces 24 families

A fire that broke out in a residential settlement in Budhanilkantha Municipality on Tuesday night was brought under control after nearly three hours, authorities said.

The fire started at around 11:00 p.m. in Chunikhel, Ward No. 13 of Budhanilkantha Municipality, on the northern outskirts of Kathmandu. Firefighters, assisted by security personnel, managed to extinguish the blaze by about 1:15 a.m.

Fire engines from Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Budhanilkantha Municipality and Tokha Municipality were deployed to contain the fire, officials said.

Police said the fire damaged two tin-roofed structures in the settlement. Seven people were rescued from the site, and no casualties were reported.

Ward Chairperson Tika Narayan Shrestha said the fire completely destroyed a long row of tin-roofed rental rooms equivalent to 24 rooms. He said 24 families, many of whom had migrated from different districts, were living in the structures and have now been displaced.

The displaced families have been temporarily accommodated in nearby shelters. Local authorities are preparing to provide relief, including food supplies, clothing and other essential items.

The exact cause of the fire has not been confirmed, though preliminary assessments suggest it may have been caused by an electrical short circuit. Officials said a detailed assessment of the damage will be conducted on Wednesday in coordination with the police to determine the extent of losses.

Authorities said further updates would be provided once the investigation and damage assessment are completed.