Daijiworld Media Network - Kaup

Kaup, Jan 23: Panic prevailed after a fire broke out accidentally in a vacant paddy field near the Pangala bridge along National Highway 66 in Kaup on Thursday January 22.

The fire erupted within the limits of the municipal council, in the Dandatheertha ward area, and quickly spread to the surrounding area. Flames rising from the field posed a serious threat to three to four nearby houses, causing concern among local residents.

Municipal councillor Shobha Bangera, along with local residents, made efforts to douse the flames before alerting the Udupi fire and emergency services.

Firefighters led by Udupi fire station assistant officer Ravindra rushed to the spot and, after nearly two hours of continuous efforts, succeeded in bringing the blaze under control.

As the fire occurred in a vacant paddy field, no major property damage was reported. However, three to four hoardings in the vicinity were damaged in the incident.