Shimla, Dec. 4 -- A massive fire on Wednesday afternoon ravaged Badvi village in Kotkhai Tehsil of Shimla district, destroying nearly 50 rooms belonging to eight families and leaving the community in deep distress.
The blaze, which started around 12 noon in a cluster of adjoining wooden houses, spread rapidly due to the traditional timber-based structure of the dwellings.
The residential houses of Prakash, Pratap, Balveer, Suresh, Seemit Bhustu, Deni, Jovan, Rajendra, and Om were completely gutted. Several neighbouring homes also sustained severe damage.
Villagers said the fire was so intense that most families could not save any belongings. Local residents spent the entire day battling the flames, using power sprayers and buckets before...