Six residential houses and a restaurant were completely gutted in a devastating fire that broke out early Monday in Ujani Para of Bandarban municipality.

The fire erupted around 6 am in Ward No-5 of the municipality.

According to eyewitnesses, flames were first spotted at approximately 5:30 am in the kitchen of a local restaurant. Residents immediately alerted the Fire Service and Civil Defence. However, by the time firefighters arrived at the scene, several tin-shed and semi-pucca houses had already been engulfed by flames.

The blaze spread rapidly due to the closely built structures and highly flammable materials, causing extensive damage to surrounding buildings. Furniture, household belongings, and other essential items of multiple families were reduced to ashes.

Assistant Director Abdul Mannan Ansari of the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence said that four firefighting units rushed to the scene and managed to bring the fire under control within an hour. By then, six houses and one restaurant had been completely destroyed.

Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ara Rini visited the affected area around 10 am and spoke with the victims, offering condolences and assurances of support.

The district administration distributed food supplies, winter clothing, and cash assistance among the affected families.

The cause of the fire has yet to be officially determined.