Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Dec 18: A fire caused by an electrical short circuit gutted the meeting room of the Fisheries Department office in Malpe on Monday night, resulting in extensive damage.

The incident came to light on Tuesday morning when the office was opened. Firefighters were called to the scene to extinguish the smouldering remains. Reports suggest that an air conditioner in the room exploded, leading to the complete destruction of all documents stored within.

Items such as fans, chairs, tables, partition walls, life jackets, and lifebuoys were also consumed by the fire. Officials stated that if the fire had spread to adjoining rooms, it could have engulfed the entire building.

Thick smoke filled every room in the building, and the walls turned black due to soot. The estimated loss from the fire is approximately Rs 4 lac. A formal complaint has been lodged with the Malpe police station regarding the incident.