Una: Around 29 shanties belonging to migrant labourers were reduced to ashes after a massive fire broke out in the Lalsingi area of Himachal Pradesh’s Una district on Saturday morning. While no casualties were reported, the blaze destroyed the workers’ temporary shelters along with all their household belongings, leaving several families homeless.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Police have launched an investigation, while the district administration has begun assessing the losses suffered by the affected families.
Fire Spread Rapidly Through Settlement
According to officials, the fire started suddenly in one of the shanties and quickly spread to neighbouring shelters due to their close proximity and the use of highly combustible materials in their construction. Within minutes, towering flames engulfed nearly the entire settlement, triggering panic among the residents.
Several migrant labourers rushed to save their belongings after noticing the fire. However, the flames spread so rapidly that most household items, including clothes, utensils, bedding, important documents and other personal possessions, were destroyed before they could be rescued.
Firefighters Bring Blaze Under Control
Local residents immediately informed the Una Fire Station after noticing the fire. Fire tenders reached the spot promptly and launched firefighting operations.
After a strenuous effort, firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby structures. However, by the time the fire was extinguished, all 29 shanties had been completely destroyed.
Fortunately, most of the migrant workers were present near their shelters when the fire broke out. They managed to evacuate safely, and no injuries or loss of life were reported.
Why the Migrant Workers Lived in the Settlement
The affected families are migrant labourers who had been residing in temporary shanties near their workplaces. Such settlements are commonly set up by workers employed in construction, industrial units, brick kilns and other daily-wage occupations, allowing them to stay close to their work sites while keeping living expenses low.
With their shelters destroyed, many of the affected families have been forced to remain in the open until temporary accommodation or relief is arranged.
Administration Assessing Losses
The Una District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) confirmed that the fire was brought under control swiftly by the fire department and that no casualties were reported.
Officials said the district administration has initiated a detailed assessment of the damage to determine the extent of losses suffered by the affected families. The findings will help authorities decide on further relief and rehabilitation measures.
Meanwhile, police have begun investigating the cause of the fire. Officials said the exact reason behind the incident will be known only after the inquiry is completed.
Authorities have appealed to residents to exercise caution around temporary settlements, particularly during the summer months when dry weather and combustible materials can allow fires to spread rapidly.