Kathmandu, Feb. 22 -- Amid a dry season and a lack of rain for a prolonged period, the number of fire incidents has started to rise, in which at least 22 people have been killed and scores injured, and properties worth rupees millions have been gutted in various parts of the country.

Hospitals providing treatment to fire victims including the Nepal Cleft and Burn Centre in Kirtipur [Kirtipur Hospital] and Bir Hospital, reported a surge in fire victims.

"Our hospital remains occupied with burn victims most of the time," said Dr Kiran Nakarmi, director at Kirtipur Hospital. "We also need to admit burn victims in other general beds in winter when fire incidents rise."

According to the data provided by the Nepal Police, 22 people died in f...