Valpoi
A fire broke out in a cashew plantation owned by Krishna Mhalsekar at Dhave-Polekarwada in the Nagargaon Panchayat area on Saturday, causing losses estimated at around Rs 50,000. The Valpoi Fire and Emergency Services brought the blaze under control and saved property worth nearly Rs 1 lakh with help from local residents.
According to fire service sources, the incident occurred around 11.55 am. Villagers rushed to the site after noticing the flames and tried to contain the fire. However, strong winds and intense afternoon heat caused it to spread rapidly. After receiving the alert, firefighters from Valpoi reached the spot and carried out operations using hose reels and natural fire beaters. Several cashew trees were destroyed in the blaze.
The operation was led by Satish K Naik along with Mahadev S Gawde, Pradeep S Gaonkar, Dnyaneshwar S Sawant and Rupesh U Gaonkar. Mhalsekar said the destruction of the plantation had caused major financial hardship for his family, which depended mainly on cashew cultivation.
