Kollam (Kerala), Dec. 7 -- A massive fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday at Kureepuzha in this district, gutting almost 15 fishing boats anchored along the Ashtamudi Lake.
The blaze, which began around 2 am, caused extensive damage to the vessels, fishing nets, and equipment owned by local fishermen.
Eyewitnesses reported that the flames spread rapidly through the cluster of moored boats, releasing thick plumes of smoke over the backwaters. Residents rushed to the spot and made initial attempts to control the fire before the arrival of the fire brigade units.
Six teams of the Fire and Rescue Services from Kundara, Chavara, and Kollam stations were deployed. Firefighters battled the flames for several hours and eventually brought ...