Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, October 29
A massive fire broke out early Wednesday morning at the historic Dimple Lodge in Chhota Shimla, reducing the 135-year-old wooden structure to ashes. The two-storey heritage building, which had around ten rooms, was completely destroyed in the blaze.
According to officials, the fire spread rapidly due to the wooden construction of the house. Firefighters rushed to the scene after being alerted by local residents and the building’s caretaker. Despite prompt efforts by the fire brigade, police, and district administration, the fire engulfed the entire structure within an hour and a half.
Assistant Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Jyoti Rana, who reached the spot, said the blaze had caused extensive damage to the property and belongings stored inside. “The house was unoccupied at the time, which is why there was no loss of life,” she said, adding that an investigation was underway to determine the cause of the fire.
Local residents watched helplessly as flames consumed the heritage building, which had stood for more than a century as part of Shimla’s colonial-era architecture. Authorities are now assessing the extent of the damage.
