A devastating fire broke out at around 1:30 PM at an Assam-type house belonging to a Mali at the Tribal Research Institute, Arts and Culture Office, Mawlai. The blaze, suspected to have been caused by a short circuit, intensified when a gas cylinder exploded. Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) rushed to the scene and managed to douse the flames, but the house was completely gutted. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire.