Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Apr 17: A major fire broke out at Dallas Beach Resort in North Goa’s Ashwem-Mandrem area, completely destroying the property and causing damage estimated to run into crores. No casualties or injuries have been reported.

The resort, located near the historic Ajoba Temple, was engulfed in flames that rapidly spread across several luxury cottages. Eyewitnesses said the fire intensified quickly due to the use of highly combustible materials such as wood, plywood flooring, and plastic fixtures in the structures.

At least three of the 12 cottages were occupied at the time of the incident, but all guests were safely evacuated. Local residents initially attempted to douse the flames before firefighters from Pernem and Mapusa reached the spot. However, by then, a large portion of the resort had already been reduced to ashes.

Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar said that guests acted promptly upon noticing the fire, helping prevent any loss of life.

Preliminary findings from the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services suggest that a short circuit in the generator may have triggered the blaze. Authorities have cordoned off the area, and a detailed panchanama is being conducted to ascertain the exact cause and assess the extent of losses.

The incident has once again raised concerns over fire safety preparedness in Goa’s busy coastal belt. Locals have pointed to delays in emergency response, an issue frequently highlighted in tourist-heavy regions.

The fire comes months after the December 2025 blaze at the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Arpora, which claimed 25 lives and led to stricter enforcement of safety norms across the state. The latest incident has renewed calls for more rigorous fire safety audits and improved emergency infrastructure in Goa.