Goa, May 6 -- Anil Mishra

anilkumar@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: A day after a massive fire engulfed a dry grass field at Cambrabhat, Taleigao - destroying crops, killing reptiles and sending residents fleeing from their homes - locals have expressed serious concern, calling the incident a wake-up call for the authorities.

Juliet Fernandes, who lives next to the field, described the chaos that unfolded. "Our house was filled with smoke. My neighbour told me to get out immediately. I couldn't even pick up my dogs because they were too scared to move. Though the fire has been extinguished, it has left an impact on us," she told

O Heraldo.

In response to the incident, local resident Cecille Rodrigues has written to the Secretary of the Taleig...