Kalimpong, Oct. 27: Four houses were razed in a fire last evening at Todey Tangta village, 100 km from Kalimpong.

Six more houses were damaged despite efforts by local people to stop the fire from spreading. No casualties were reported.

Kalimpong additional superintendent of police S.K. Gazmer said: “A fire occured at Todey Tangta yesterday evening. It razed four houses and damaged six others.”

According to the area councillor of Todey Tangta, Shanka Mani Rai, four houses belonging to Nar Bahadur Chettri, Surjya Chettri, Sukhramaya Tamang and Dhan Maya Rai, were completely destroyed by the fire.

“The fire started from Nar Bahadur Chettri’s house and spread to the other three houses. It was caused by a child, who left a candle near kerosene oil,” said Rai.

The fire, which started around 5.30 pm, was brought under control by 7.30. “There was every chance of the fire spreading to the whole village as the area is very congested and the houses are close to each other.Local people had to tear down some houses to prevent the fire from spreading,” said Rai.

Yesterday being a haat (market) day, there were a lot of people on hand to fight the fire. The fire brigade was informed, but failed to turn up in time.

“We had informed the fire station at Malbazzar as it is nearer than the fire station in Kalimpong. They, however, reached here only after the fire was under control. Had it not been a market day there would not be so many people to help,” Rai added.

The six houses that were damaged belonged to Bal Mani Rai, Raphel Rai, Simon Rai, Marbert Tamang, Bhaichung Bhutia and Dilbhir Rai.