Fires keep haunting the force built to fight them

A fire erupted at the Motor Transport Branch of the Armed Police Force (APF) headquarters in Halchok on Wednesday night, June 4, causing damage to several vehicles. The blaze originated in the underground parking area behind the Halchok stadium. Emergency services, including teams from the APF headquarters, the Bangalamukhi Battalion, and a fire brigade from the APF customs office, responded quickly and contained the fire, preventing major structural damage.

Despite the swift response, the fire destroyed a Prado vehicle used by an Additional Inspector General (AIG), along with six electric All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) quad bikes, one scouting motorcycle, and two regular motorcycles. The ATVs were intended for deployment in the Manang and Mustang districts. Investigators are focusing on a potential short circuit in one of the electric ATVs as the likely cause, though it remains unconfirmed if they were charging at the time.

“

Our initial understanding is that the fire may have started due to a short circuit in the ATV bikes.

In response to the incident, the APF headquarters has established an inquiry committee led by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sandip Thapa. The committee will investigate the fire's origin, potential negligence, and recommend actions if fault is found, while also proposing measures to prevent future occurrences. This incident follows a previous fire at an APF warehouse in Balumbu on March 9, 2024, which destroyed a large quantity of supplies and resulted in disciplinary actions against nine individuals, including a Superintendent of Police whose promotion was blocked.

“

We have formed a committee to investigate the incident. It has already begun work.