Naxalbari, February 7, 2026 – A devastating fire broke out in Dhakna Colony under the Maniram Gram Panchayat in Naxalbari block on the evening of February 6, leaving two families homeless and causing significant damage to a third property.

The blaze, suspected to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit, rapidly engulfed two houses completely and partially destroyed another. Due to the congested layout of the area, fire tenders faced challenges in accessing the site promptly, delaying official response efforts.

However, quick-thinking local residents mobilized to combat the flames, managing to bring the fire under control within approximately an hour through community efforts. Despite their success in extinguishing the fire, the destruction was total for the two affected families, with all belongings reduced to ashes.

Pratima Rai, a resident of one of the fully destroyed homes and a Class 11 student, shared her anguish with the media: “Everything got destroyed—our house, my documents and books. I have my exams from February 12. I request the authorities to please rebuild my house and re-issue all my documents.”