Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (SP)

Karkala, May 5: A fire that erupted in Ashok Bhavan hotel located in the heart of the town at around 2 am on Tuesday May 4, was brought under control by the fire brigade personnel before it could spread to the neighbouring shops.

It is said that some half-burnt cinders left out in the hearth of the hotel gave rise to fire, after sparks flew out from there because of hot summer and wind. The tiles of the hotel roof burst and flew away because of heat, and wooden pieces, beams, plywood false roofing, stock of cooking oil, pulses and utensils etc., were consumed by fire. However, three gas cylinders miraculously remained unaffected.

A team of fire brigade personnel headed by K P Navin Kumar rushed to the spot and fought the fire for two hours before it could be completely extinguished. The hotel suffered a loss of nearly three lac rupees, and the adjacent Mariamma Flower Stall lost about Rs 10,000, as its roof was destroyed in the fire.