Golapganj, Feb 04 (V7N) - A devastating fire broke out at a hay barn in Purkayastha Para of Lakshmanabonda Union under Golapganj upazila in Sylhet on Wednesday afternoon, destroying a large stock of cattle feed while nearby residential houses were narrowly saved.

The blaze gutted the hay barn of Taj Uddin, a well-known cattle trader in the area. Locals said flames were first spotted in the barn in the afternoon, and the fire quickly spread through the dry straw, creating panic in the neighborhood.

Residents initially attempted to extinguish the fire on their own before informing Golapganj Fire Service and Civil Defence. A fire service unit arrived promptly and, with assistance from locals, managed to bring the fire under control before it could spread to the homes of Taj Uddin and his three brothers.

Despite the quick response, a large quantity of stored hay was completely reduced to ashes, causing substantial financial losses to the trader.

Taj Uddin said he had stored a significant amount of straw for cattle feed and watched helplessly as it was destroyed. The cause of the fire could not be immediately determined, though locals did not rule out the possibility of deliberate arson linked to previous disputes.An investigation is expected to determine the origin of the fire.

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