A devastating fire has swept through Parsi-Parlo town in Arunachal Pradesh’s Kurung Kumey district, killing four members of a family, including three children, and destroying or damaging 24 houses.
The blaze broke out in the early hours of the morning, at around 2.30 am, and spread rapidly through the closely built houses of the remote town. Police identified the victims as Dongda Yanu, her sons Dongda Karsang and Dongda Maji, and her daughter Dongda Amji. Her husband sustained critical injuries and has been moved to Itanagar for advanced treatment.
19 houses gutted, five damaged
District disaster management officials said 19 houses were completely gutted, while five others suffered partial damage. Several families have been left homeless, and the district administration has set up a relief camp and begun arranging essential supplies for the displaced families.
The exact cause of the fire is yet to be established. Preliminary findings suggest it may have started in a kitchen, though officials said a detailed inquiry would be needed before the cause can be confirmed.
No fire station in the town
The tragedy has exposed the gaps in firefighting infrastructure in remote parts of the state. Parsi-Parlo has no fire station of its own, and the nearest fire tender is stationed at Koloriang, around 38 kilometres away. By the time help could arrive, the flames had already spread to neighbouring houses.
Deputy Commissioner Cheechung Chukhu confirmed the deaths and said the administration is assessing the damage and the needs of the affected families. Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed the authorities to extend all necessary assistance to the bereaved family and the displaced households.
The All Nyishi Youth Association also expressed grief and urged the state government to provide immediate relief and rehabilitation support to the affected families. Arunachal’s hill districts have seen destructive fires before, including a wildfire near the Tawang Chu river, while Army teams have had to step in to contain forest fires in remote areas such as Menchuka. Police have also investigated major plantation fires in Lower Dibang Valley.
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