Jalandhar: A fire broke out in a house in Khodian Mohalla Market area on Tuesday morning. Household items were burnt to ashes in the fire, along with a pet dog. The fire is believed to have started from a temple lamp (jot) in the house, which spread rapidly and engulfed the entire house. The incident took place around 11 am, when a 20-year-old woman got trapped inside the house. People nearby rushed to her aid and rescued her before the fire spread to the house. However, the family dog, who was sleeping in the house, could not be saved and died in the fire. The narrow lanes of Khodian Mohalla Bazaar posed a big challenge for the fire department. The firefighters had to park their vehicles 150 metres away from the house and use long hoses to douse the fire.
By 12.30 pm, four fire tenders had reached the spot to control the fire. The owner of the house, a local woman who runs a boutique near Khodian Mohalla, was at work when smoke started coming out of her house. Alarmed neighbours immediately acted and pulled out the woman’s daughter and informed the fire department. Fire department officials present at the spot said, “We received a call about the fire at 11 am. The entire house has suffered heavy damage. Initial investigation suggests that the fire started from a temple lamp kept in the house. Detailed investigation is underway and necessary action will be taken accordingly.” Meanwhile, the incident has created an uproar in the family as both the mother and daughter were seen crying inconsolably outside their house. Police said that further action will be taken if needed based on the investigation and the family’s statement.