SHILLONG, FEB 26: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma informed that an investigation of fire will be conducted to assess the actual cause of fire, which destroyed the 1913-built wooden Assam type building of the Shillong Bar Association on February 24.

In a statement laid in the Assembly, Sangma said, “The damages to the contents and properties, and the actual cause of fire will be assessed during the investigation of fire which will be conducted on February 26 and the detailed report will be submitted accordingly to the state government.”

He also informed that the district magistrate, East Khasi Hills has as ordered a magisterial inquiry into the fire incident.

The CM said that an information was received from the police control room Shillong at 22.15 hrs dated Febraury 24 to the effect that a fire broke out in the Shillong Bar Association building behind the DC East Khasi Hills Office building, Shillong.

Accordingly, the 1st Turn Out from Barabazar F&ES Station was activated at 22.16 hrs and subsequently 2nd Turn Out at 22.20 hrs respectively. On reaching the place of occurence it was observed that the entire building was engulfted by raging inferno. As such reinforcements from Shillong F&ES Station and adjoining F&ES Stations were sought for.

On arrival of the IGP (F&ES) Meghalaya, Shillong an urgent assessment was made of the situation as the fire was huge in nature and posed a threat to the surrounding buildings of the CJM Court, PHQ, Engineering Wing of PHQ sdes to prevent the spread of fire and within 4 hours of rigorous fire fighting, the fire was brought under control.

He said altogether 6 fire tenders were pressed into service as well as two water browsers from the Shillong Municipal Board which provded assistance. About 45 tanks of water were used for fire fighting.

The entire fire-fighting was supervised in presence of official of the police and district administration. The SDRF also arrived at the place of occurence for assistance along with the SOT squad, officials from the SDMA were also present during the fire fighting operation.

“As per preliminary investigation the supposed cause of fire is suspected to be electrical origin,” the CM said while adding that as per the peon of the Shillong Bar Association who he said saw electrical wiring whcih was found to be melting and hanging. However, negligence from the part of the occupants could not be ruled out.

He also added that as per the preliminary investigation, no casualty or injury was reported in the fire incident.

Further, the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge urban affairs, the chief secretary, the IGP – Fire and Emergency Services, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, Superintendent of Police also rused to the place of incident to carry out a spot inspection and take stock of the situation on the night of the fire incident.

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