Sources said the fire was caused due to fireworks burnt during the Diwali celebrations.
Pilerne fire station officer Bhavesh Shirodkar said the station received a call at 8.55pm on Sunday reporting a fire in Madda Wada Calangute.
Fire officials said reinforcements were received from Mapusa fire station and the headquarters. Fire personnel managed to save Rs 10 lakh worth of property, he stated.
Shacks belonging to Manuel Cardozo, Felix Fernandes and Jecinto Fernandes caught fire.
Electronic items such as refrigerators, as well as furniture, stove, fiber board were gutted in the fire. Cardoso said that fire was on the entire night. Along with equipment and items in the shack, a boat worth Rs 4 lakh and fish nets also caught fire.
“That was a major loss for us. The boat was insured so there is possibility of getting some money. We are running the business for the last 15 years and it is the only source of income for us,” he said.
The local MLA told the shack owners he will help to get some compensation , while Calangute Deputy Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira announced a payment of Rs 25,000 to each shack owner as natural calamity relief through Panchayat funds.
“The cheques which will be given by tomorrow to the shack owners. We will try to get additional money as compensation through contribution from resort owners,” he said.
