The blaze began around 1 pm at ‘Obokash Resort’ and quickly spread to nearby resorts and cottages, including Echo Valley Resort, Meghchut Resort, Montana Restaurant, Maruati Restaurant, and others. Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick black smoke and flames engulfing the area as the fire raged out of control.
In response to the emergency, a team of Army personnel from Baghaihat Zone and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members from the 27th and 54th battalions rushed to the scene to assist local residents in battling the fire. Despite their efforts, the cause of the blaze remains unclear, and the fire was still not under control as of 4 pm, when this report was filed.
Indrajit Chakma, owner of Hill View Resort, confirmed that 15 to 16 resorts and cottages were severely damaged. He added that it took over two hours for the Fire Service to arrive at the scene from Dighinala in Khagrachhari district, delaying efforts to contain the fire.
Shirin Akter, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Baghaichhari, assured that army personnel and BGB members are actively working to extinguish the flames. Local authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, though no casualties have been reported at this time.
The fire has left a significant toll on the local tourism industry, with countless visitors’ vacation plans disrupted, and many livelihoods affected by the destruction of the resorts. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely.