13 houses gutted in Bhasantek slum

A fire broke out at Bhasantek slum in the capital around 8:15pm yesterday.

Thirteen houses were gutted, but no casualty was reported.

Five fire engines rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control within 15 minutes, said Abul Bashar, deputy assistant director of fire service and civil defence.

The firefighters required 1.5 hours to completely douse the fire, he added.

The source of fire and the amount of damage could not be known immediately. However, officials concerned were investigating, he further said.

There are 5,000 houses in the slum.