Bhubaneswar, Jan. 16 -- A massive fire broke out in the Garapada village under the Nimapada block in Puri, reducing straw stacks spread over nearly seven acres of land to ashes. According to reports, the fire erupted late on Thursday after an 11kV electricity line snapped in the farmland, engulfing the straw heaps.

A resident, Akrur Jena, suffered heavy losses in the incident, as fire gutted his year-long produce. Upon receiving the information, fire personnel from Pipili rushed to the scene and managed to bring the blaze under control. However, by the time the fire services arrived, most of the straw had already been gutted.

No casualties were reported in the incident. The exact extent of the damage is being assessed, while authorities...