Kohima: Peraciezie fire cause yet to be ascertained

September 11, 2023 103 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | September 11

A day after a massive fire razed a bustling market block in Peraciezie High school colony, Kohima, the cause of the fire was still to be established. A Fire & Emergency Services official told The Morung Express that available information pointed to electrical short as a probable cause but there has been no evidence yet.

The fire, which broke out adjacent to the High School junction, around 2:30 am on September 9, destroyed 110 shops. The flames were controlled by 5:10 am, but efforts continued throughout the day and well late into the night to completely douse the fire. Four Fire personnel also sustained minor injuries.

According to an official update from Fire Station (North), 7 Fire trucks, alongwith 53 personnel from the North, South and Chiephobozou stations, were pressed into action. The trucks had to make around 57 trips to fetch water, it said. It added that the fire was controlled and prevented from spreading further due to the quick response of the personnel from the 3 stations.

AV and Peraciezie markets, were completely gutted, while the Vishal Mega Mart building, North Hill Arcade and a residential house, located adjacent, were partially affected.

The AV Market housed around 50 shops, while Peraciezie Market had around 60 shops. The two markets were known for selling a wide range of products, including garments, groceries, meat, fish, livestock, cosmetics, pharmaceutical drugs and had shops catering to mobile repairing.

Vishal Mega Mart lost around 8-9 AC compressors and sustained damage to plumbing lines, external main armored cables, structural glazing board and a 250 Kva power transformer.

A garment shop was completely burned and a tailoring shop was also partially damaged at North hill Arcade Building. Additional plumbing lines, window frames, glass, external walls, internal electrical wirings, CCTV, monitors, furniture and home appliances were also damaged.

Meanwhile, a residential house adjacent to the market, facing north, belonging to one Ruduovituo Kerhuo, was also slightly damaged.

Sub Inspector, Fire Station (North), Chumbemo lauded the professionalism and courage displayed by the Fire personnel stating, “It was a privilege to witness the dedicated brave firemen at work.” He noted the services rendered by the Peraciezie Baptist Church, Peraciezie Youth president, proprietors of the markets, doctors and staff of Kohima Skin and Aesthetic Clinic Kohima.