A sudden and fierce blaze tore through the village of Jamirapara in the Mohichail Union of Chandina, Comilla, in the early hours of Monday, 16 February. Around 11:30 pm, flames engulfed several homes within minutes, leaving six families completely destitute and the surrounding area filled with panic and cries for help.
The fire destroyed a total of nine houses, comprising six residential homes and three ancillary structures. In one building, doors and windows were entirely consumed by the flames, while neighbouring structures sustained partial damage to their windows. Household belongings, cash, gold jewellery, and essential documents were all lost in an instant. Among the affected is Akibul Islam Hares, a reporter for Dainik Kalbela stationed in Chandina.
According to local residents, the fire reportedly began in a single house before spreading rapidly to adjacent homes. Initial assessments suggest a short-circuit in the electrical wiring may have triggered the blaze. Despite desperate efforts by villagers using water and sand to control the fire, the intensity proved overwhelming.
The Chandina Fire Service dispatched a unit promptly, managing to bring the blaze under control. By then, however, the damage was catastrophic.
Akibul Islam Hares recounted the harrowing experience: “I was asleep when I suddenly heard screams. Running outside, I saw the fire consuming the house. I couldn’t salvage any important papers or furniture. Everything was reduced to ashes before my eyes.” Other affected families expressed similar despair, stating that years of hard work, accumulated savings, and cherished belongings were destroyed within moments. Many are now left with no shelter, forced to spend their nights under the open sky.
Station Officer Imam Patwari of the Chandina Fire Service stated, “Preliminary investigations indicate the fire may have originated from an electrical short-circuit. A full inquiry will determine the precise cause. Work is underway to assess the total extent of losses.”
Chandina Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Ashraful Haque confirmed that the local administration is compiling a list of affected households and will provide immediate assistance to the displaced families.
The table below summarises the impact on the affected households:
| Serial | Household / Representative | Houses Destroyed | Key Losses | Current Situation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Akibul Islam Hares | 1 residential, 1 ancillary | Furniture, cash, important documents | Homeless |
| 2 | Abdullah Al Mamun | 1 residential | Entire home lost | Shelter under open sky |
| 3 | Fatema Begum | 1 residential | Furniture, essential documents | Temporarily staying with neighbours |
| 4 | Rubel Hossain | 1 residential, 1 ancillary | Gold jewellery, cash | Homeless |
| 5 | Jahanara Khatun | 1 residential | Furniture and papers damaged | Staying with relatives |
| 6 | Md. Sohel | 1 residential | House completely destroyed | Homeless |
The fire has left a deep mark on the Jamirapara community, displacing families and destroying years of accumulated property. Authorities are coordinating emergency relief measures, including temporary shelter and essential supplies, to help the victims recover from the tragedy.