Benaulim, Goa: Four houses were gutted in a fire which broke out on Tuesday night at Vas Waddo near Benaulim beach.

Houses of Rosaril Rodrigues, Minguel Rodrigues and Jonita Rodrigues were reduced to ashes. As the houses were near the beach, due to strong wind the fire went out of control.

The owners have estimated a loss of up-to Rs 15 lakh. Eight fire brigades were involved in extinguishing the fire. The fire fighters claimed to have saved items of about Rs 20 lakh.

All the household items, gold, cash, two wheelers, fishing nets and motors were burnt in the flames. It is also known that 2 cylinders exploded in the fire, which led to aggravate flames.

The fire brigade had difficulty in reaching the site, as the vehicles faced problem to move in the sand.

“The exact cause of the occurrence of fire is not known yet,” Fire Officer Herculino Gill D’souza said.

Former MLA of Benaulim, Caitu Silva expressed his anger over the failure of fire brigade to reach the spot on time. Speaking to the media persons, Silva said that a fire brigade should be well equipped and ready to face any emergency situations and they should have a sound knowledge of the roads of the locality where they operate, no excuses must be made for reaching late. He further added that the government should carry out regular maintenance of emergency services like fire brigade or 108 ambulance service.

Team TNV