Shimla, Jan. 8 -- The upper floors of the nearly 200-year-old historic Junga Palace, once the residence of the kings of the erstwhile Keonthal princely state, was gutted in a fire on Wednesday, officials said. Though no casualties were reported, they said.

Thick smoke was first noticed by local residents around 1pm, following which the Junga police post was informed. Fire tenders were immediately rushed to the spot.

Station fire officer Mansa Ram of Chhota Shimla fire station said they received information about the blaze at 1.05 pm, following a call from Vijay Jyoti Sen.

"Two fire engines were dispatched from Chhota Shimla and Mall Road, and additional water tankers were sent from Tilak Nagar. A total of four fire vehicles were engage...