Team Goemkarponn
Pernem: A major fire broke out at Hotel Dallas cottages in Pernem late on Thursday night, destroying several structures before being brought under control by fire personnel after a prolonged operation. No casualties or injuries were reported.
According to Fire Station Officer Namdev H. Parwar, the control room received a distress call at around 8:45 pm from a caller identified as Anup Sawant, reporting the blaze. A fire tender from Pernem Fire Station was immediately dispatched, with additional support mobilised from Mapusa and Porvorim fire stations as the fire intensified.
Upon arrival, firefighters found that the flames had already spread extensively across the cottage units. Teams initiated firefighting operations without delay, deploying reinforcements to contain the blaze.
Officials said the presence of highly flammable materials, including mattresses inside the cottages, contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Firefighters used approximately five to seven cans of foam, as water alone proved insufficient to douse the flames effectively.
Around 30 cottages were affected in the incident. However, prompt action by the fire department helped save nearly 26 adjacent cottages from being completely destroyed. Fire personnel also utilised water from a nearby swimming pool to sustain operations.
The blaze was brought under control after nearly three to three-and-a-half hours of continuous effort, with complete extinguishing achieved by around 11:30 pm.
Authorities confirmed that all guests and staff were evacuated safely in time, preventing any loss of life.
Officials noted that narrow access points at the site hampered the movement of fire tenders during the initial response. A detailed report is expected to be submitted, recommending improved fire safety compliance and better access infrastructure in such establishments.
The exact cause of the fire is under investigation.
