Short circuits, accidental blazes trigger five fire incidents across Belthangady taluk

Mangalore Today News Network

Belthangady, Feb 7, 2026: Accidental fires triggered by electrical short circuits and other causes were reported at five locations across Belthangady taluk on Friday, causing damage to shrubs and vegetation along roadsides and in plantation areas. In a separate incident, a parked lorry in Ujire also caught fire due to a short circuit.

At Paramukha in Mundaje village, a fire broke out in a coconut plantation belonging to John, resulting in damage to the crops. Another incident was reported along the Mundaje–Didupe road, where roadside vegetation near the Mandaje Mosque was gutted in an accidental blaze.

In Ujire, a lorry parked along the main road caught fire following an electrical short circuit. Fire and Emergency Services personnel, assisted by local residents, rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control.

Within the Belthangady Town Panchayat limits, a fire broke out near the Bhagirathi Compound on MESCOM Road after a jumper from a high-tension power line snapped and fell. A water tanker belonging to a roadwork contracting company operating nearby was pressed into service to douse the flames. Former Town Panchayat president Jayananda Gowda, MESCOM officer Clement Benjamin Braggs, forest department officials and local residents cooperated in controlling the fire.

Another accidental fire was reported at Manchakallu in Nada village, where roadside vegetation caught fire. Fire brigade personnel, forest officials and local residents jointly carried out fire-fighting operations. With the recent addition of a new vehicle to the Beltangady fire station, emergency response and fire-fighting efforts have been strengthened.