There were no human casualties. According to initial estimates, properties worth Rs 20 million were destroyed and 65 families were rendered homeless in the incident.

Police said the fire broke out from the house of Dasrath Yadav and soon engulfed the entire settlement.

Victims complained that although the village is just 14 km from Rajbiraj, the district headquarters, the fire engine did not arrive on time.

Security personnel and the villagers managed to contain the fire after nearly three hours. Strong wind had caused the blaze to spread rapidly.

Anirudh Yadav, one of the fire victims, said none of the villagers could salvage their precious belongings.

Chief District Officer Birendra Prasad Yadav, who also chairs the District Disaster Management Committee, said the victims will be offered relief materials on Friday.