KATHMANDU: Madhesh Province has witnessed a concerning surge with 1,200 reported fire incidents over the past nine months, resulting in significant loss of life and property.

According to the Madhesh Province Police Office, these incidents claimed the lives of 20 individuals and left 120 others injured.

The fires ravaged 561 houses and caused the destruction of properties worth 440 million rupees in the province during this period.

Among the eight districts in the province, Siraha recorded the highest number of incidents with 216, while Sarlahi reported the lowest at 104.

District-wise Breakdown of Fire Incidents:

Siraha: 216 incidents

Sarlahi: 104 incidents

Saptari: 172 incidents

Dhanusha: 145 incidents

Mahottari: 130 incidents

Rautahat: 183 incidents

Bara: 121 incidents

Parsa: 128 incidents

Raj Kumar Lekhi, Minister for Home Affairs, Communication, and Law of the Province, expressed regret over the government’s inability to develop effective mechanisms for fire prevention due to budgetary constraints.

“The District Administration Offices do not fall under our jurisdiction. We have struggled to provide timely assistance when needed,” he acknowledged.

The surge in fire incidents is attributed to various factors.

Police cited the rise in temperature and dry weather conditions as primary triggers.

Additionally, technical errors such as electrical short circuits and human negligence were identified as contributing factors.