Fire in Chandragiri armory warehouse controlled; probe committee formed

KATHMANDU: A fire that broke out on Monday evening in the armory warehouse of Chandragiri Municipality, located in Satungal, has been brought under full control early this morning.

According to spokespersons of the armed police force and senior inspector Rajendra Khadka, the fire, which started around 2 a.m. today, has been completely brought under control by the armed police force personnel.

“By 2 a.m. today, the fire was completely under control. We are now assessing the damage caused by the fire to the documents and bills stored in our central warehouse branch,” said spokesperson Khadka.

The spokesperson also informed that the fire was brought under control with the operation of seven fire engines, water cannons, and more than a thousand security personnel, including firefighters and armed police.

According to their initial investigation, the fire broke out in the warehouse where not only the equipment of the armed police force, but also other items such as batons and shields were stored.

In response to the fire incident, a nine-member probe committee led by Additional Inspector General (AIG) Banshiraj Dahal has been formed.

The spokesperson Khadka speculated that the fire might have originated from an electrical short circuit.

He further explained that due to the lack of space at the headquarters in Halchowk, Kathmandu, the necessary equipment for contingencies was stored in the warehouse.

Following the incident, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane visited the site on Monday to gather information about the fire and the extent of the damage, and also instructed for an investigation to be conducted.