KHOTANG: A massive fire that broke out in Halesi Bazaar, a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists, and Kirats, has caused damage exceeding Rs 73 million, according to an initial police report.

The fire originated in the kitchen of local resident Padamsher Rai in Mahadevsthan, Halesi Tuwachung Municipality-7, and quickly spread, destroying four houses, three hotels, a hardware shop, and a microfinance office.

The fire completely destroyed Padamsher Rai’s three-story wooden house, along with a hardware shop and the Nirdhan Utthan Microfinance Office, causing losses of approximately Rs 40 million.

New-Kalyan Hotel, owned by local Airakh Rai, suffered Rs 25 million in damages, affecting both its four-story concrete building and a nearby two-story wooden house.

Halesi Darshan Hotel, owned by Prakash Chandra Giri, sustained partial damage, while Paruhang Hotel, owned by Bharansher Rai, saw the second and third floors of its four-story building suffer damage worth an estimated Rs 50 million.

The fire, which ignited around 7 pm on Sunday, raged for four and a half hours before being brought under control at 11:30 pm.

Nearly 500 personnel from the Nepal Army’s Ranbhim Battalion Mudhe Barracks, Armed Police Force No. 7 Halesi Gulma, Nepal Police, and local authorities were mobilized to combat the blaze. The lack of a fire engine in the municipality and water shortages made firefighting efforts difficult, according to Chief Police Inspector Hemant Rai of the Area Police Office, Halesi.

Municipal Mayor Bimala Rai acknowledged the challenges in providing adequate relief to the victims but stated that coordination is ongoing with the Home Ministry and other concerned agencies.

Relief will be distributed through a one-door system to ensure efficiency. Several political leaders, including former Prime Minister and Maoist Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal have urged the government to provide immediate compensation to those affected.