A devastating fire swept through Jamming Goat, a well-known beachside restaurant and shack at Utorda beach in South Goa, in the early hours of Sunday, resulting in extensive damage estimated at around Rs 10 lakh.
Blaze Erupts During Closed Hours
The fire broke out at approximately 4.45 am while the establishment was shut and undergoing maintenance work. With no staff or customers present, the flames spread rapidly, consuming the structure's interior. Chairs, tables, and various furnishings were completely reduced to ashes before the fire could be subdued.
Firefighting Efforts Prevent Wider Disaster
Personnel from the Verna and Margao fire stations rushed to the scene. They deployed two fire tenders to battle the intense blaze. Their primary focus was to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent shacks and properties, a mission they successfully accomplished. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.
Cause Suspected, Compliance Questions Raised
While the exact origin of the fire remains officially unestablished, officials from the fire department suspect that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the catastrophe. Investigations have revealed that the shack did not possess a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire and emergency services and was operating without proper firefighting arrangements.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, sources indicate that the fire occurred just a day before officials were scheduled to visit the shack on Monday to inspect its compliance with Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) restrictions. This incident highlights critical safety lapses in the popular coastal tourism zone.
