Porvorim: A major fire completely gutted Gharan Restaurant, located near Sai Service at Porvorim, in the wee hours of Tuesday, causing heavy financial losses to the owner.
The fire reportedly broke out at around 4.30 am, when the establishment was closed.
Fire tenders from the Porvorim Fire Station rushed to the spot immediately after receiving the alert. As the blaze intensified, additional reinforcements from the Fire and Emergency Services (FES) headquarters at St Inez were pressed into service.
After sustained efforts, firefighters managed to bring the fire under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby structures.
However, by the time the flames were doused, the restaurant had been completely gutted, with furniture, kitchen equipment and interior fittings reduced to ashes.
The owner has estimated the loss at approximately ₹25 lakh. No casualties were reported in the incident. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, though a short circuit is suspected. Further investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, in a separate fire incident, the second floor of an under-construction hotel at Naikawado, Calangute, caught fire at around 6.30 am on Tuesday.
Fire personnel rushed to the site and swiftly controlled the blaze before it could spread to other parts of the structure.
No injuries were reported in the Calangute incident as well. Fire officials said the damage was limited, and a detailed assessment is being carried out to determine the cause.
The twin incidents have once again raised concerns over fire safety measures, especially in commercial establishments and construction sites.
