Ludhiana, April 23 -- A massive fire broke out in the fields of Nanaksar Kaler village on Tuesday afternoon, destroying a standing wheat crop spread over five acres. The fire triggered after strong winds caused overhead electric wires to snap, and sparks from the broken wires ignited the dry fields, said farmers.

The crop belonged to farmer Mandeep Singh, who had taken the land on lease to grow wheat. In addition, the fire also spread to nearby stubble fields, burning two acres belonging to Veeru Singh and five acres belonging to Boota Singh.

According to locals, the fire alert was first given by the local gurdwara. Residents from nearby villages rushed to help with tractors and water. Three fire brigade vehicles from Jagraon and Mullan...