About 60 Sashastra Seema Bal personnel escaped unharmed after a fire swept through a barrack at an SSB camp in Garbyang, near the Nepal border, in Pithoragarh district. The incident took place at around 8:00 AM PM on Thursday in the Vyas Valley area of Dharchula.
The fire reportedly began when a diesel-powered heating unit, locally known as a bukhari, burst inside the barrack. The flames spread rapidly, leaving the entire structure engulfed within a short time.
The incident occurred after snowfall in the area had brought severe cold conditions. Night-time temperatures had fallen below 0, prompting personnel to use the heater inside the barrack.
Personnel evacuated as flames spread
The soldiers inside the barrack moved out quickly after the blast and escaped without injuries. Flames rose high enough to be visible from a considerable distance, causing alarm in the India-Nepal border region.
The camp personnel began firefighting efforts immediately. ITBP personnel stationed nearby and local residents also reached the site and joined the response.
Their combined efforts prevented the fire from spreading to other barracks. The blaze was eventually brought under control after sustained firefighting.
Supplies destroyed, damage assessment underway
The fire destroyed ration, clothes and other belongings kept in the barrack. However, all about 60 personnel were reported safe, and no injuries were reported in the incident.
The affected camp belongs to the 11th Battalion of the SSB in Garbyang, which lies in Dharchula’s Vyas Valley along the Nepal boundary. Dharchula Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ashish Joshi confirmed the incident, citing the commandant of the 11th Battalion SSB, Didihat.
According to the preliminary account, the heater burst and triggered the fire. Authorities said the situation was fully under control, while a detailed assessment of the losses was still being prepared.
Conclusion
The Garbyang camp fire caused extensive damage to one SSB barrack and its supplies, but the rapid evacuation and joint response prevented injuries and further spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where did the SSB camp fire occur?
The fire occurred at an SSB camp in Garbyang, in the Vyas Valley of Dharchula, Pithoragarh district, near the Nepal border.
Q. When did the incident happen?
The incident took place at around 8:00 AM PM on Thursday.
Q. How many SSB personnel were inside the barrack?
About 60 personnel were inside the barrack and escaped safely.
Q. What reportedly caused the fire?
A diesel-powered heater, known locally as a bukhari, reportedly burst inside the barrack.
Q. Did anyone suffer injuries?
No injuries were reported. All about 60 personnel were reported safe.
Q. Who helped control the fire?
SSB personnel, nearby ITBP members and local residents worked together to extinguish the flames and stop them spreading to other barracks.
Q. What was damaged in the fire?
Ration, clothing and other belongings kept in the barrack were destroyed. A detailed loss assessment was underway.
