Prayagraj Magh Mela Fire: A massive fire broke out on Wednesday evening at the Bade Brahma–Chote Brahma Ashram on Tulsi Marg in Sector 4 of the Magh Mela area in Prayagraj. The blaze led to panic among devotees and ashram residents as six temporary tents were completely destroyed.

Fire Erupts During Puja, Cash And Belongings Lost

According to ashram director Kamleshwar Nath Pandey, more than a dozen people were inside the premises at the time, performing religious rituals. The fire reportedly started behind one of the tents. People at the site tried to control the flames by throwing sand and water, but the fire spread quickly.

Household items and around Rs 20,000 in cash kept inside the tents were lost in the fire.

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Firefighters Rush In, Three Personnel Injured

Firefighters from the nearby Kalpvasi Fire Station spotted the blaze and rushed to the spot. Fire officer Akash Kumar, along with his team, managed to bring the fire under control. Over a dozen fire engines and ambulances were deployed during the operation.

During firefighting efforts, three fire personnel,  Milan Singh, Amarjeet and Amrit Yadav suffered burn injuries to their hands. They were shifted to a nearby hospital and are reported to be stable.

Second Fire Incident In Two Days

This is the second fire reported at the Magh Mela in two days. On Tuesday, another blaze broke out at a camp in Sector 5, where flames were visible from a distance. Fire personnel used multiple engines to douse the fire. Preliminary reports had suggested a short circuit as the likely cause. No casualties were reported in that incident either.

Fire Incidents Amid Heavy Pilgrim Rush

The fires come at a time when large crowds are gathering at the Sangam as the Magh Mela enters a crucial phase. Devotees have been arriving in big numbers to take holy dips ahead of Makar Sankranti, scheduled for January 15.

ALSO READ: Prayagraj: Fire At Magh Mela Camp Guts 2 Tents; Rs 1 Lakh Cash And Belongings Destroyed

Officials said more than 31 lakh pilgrims participated in the Paush Purnima snan earlier this month. Preparations are now in full swing to manage an expected turnout of over one crore devotees during the upcoming bathing ritual.

Following the incidents, authorities have increased fire safety checks and monitoring across the mela area, especially in zones with temporary tents and electrical connections.