A major fire broke out at the Forest Department Range Office in Bhainsa following a severe night storm, causing significant damage to office infrastructure and electronic equipment. The incident is believed to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit during intense lightning and heavy rainfall that affected the area.
According to preliminary reports, the short circuit originated in the office’s main power distribution system. The resulting fire quickly spread through the electrical installations and reached the power backup units housed within the premises. The flames caused extensive damage before eventually subsiding.
The fire reportedly destroyed eight heavy-duty batteries, an inverter system, computer monitors, central processing units (CPUs), and other electrical equipment used for day-to-day administrative operations. Office furniture and important records stored inside the building were also affected by the blaze.
Department staff discovered the damage the following morning when they arrived for work. They found portions of the office interior completely charred, with furniture damaged and official documents covered in ash. The incident has temporarily disrupted administrative activities and raised concerns about the protection of government records and equipment during extreme weather events.
Officials from the Forest Department and other concerned agencies visited the site to assess the extent of the losses. Preliminary inspections indicate that the storm-related electrical fault was the likely cause of the fire, though a detailed inquiry is expected to determine the exact sequence of events.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of public infrastructure to severe weather conditions and underscores the importance of electrical safety systems, surge protection measures, and disaster preparedness in government offices. Authorities are expected to initiate restoration work and assess the financial impact of the damage