A huge fire that broke out in the shanties of South Delhi’s Kasturba Nagar locality on Wednesday afternoon has reduced over 25 jhuggis into cinders and left more than 50 families homeless.

Albeit no deaths were reported, most residents, who toil as domestic helps and workers, lost their savings and other valuables to the fire. It took eight tenders about an hour to douse the fire.

The fire spread at about 4 pm, reportedly from a shanty where a lady left a burning stove unattended. “I saw smoke emerging from the hutment and rushed there to douse the fire. I climbed on the rooftop and asked people there to bring water to put out the fire,” said Vijay, who works as mason. “Before we could bring fire under control, a LPG cylinder kept in the house exploded and blaze devoured the entire jhuggi within seconds.”

The residents of the hapless locality complained that fire tenders took over 30 minutes to reach the spot. “We called out for help from the neighbours, who gave a helping hand and got water from their homes. Boys from the adjoining cluster came and rescued the elderly from the jhuggis,” said a domestic servant.

Former AAP MLA, Madam Lal reached the spot with his followers, assuring the distraught people that he would do his best to provide them proper rehabilitation. Manish Sisodia, who also reached the spot, said: “We have asked the officials to provide quick rehabilitation. Portable lights have been installed in the area because there is no electricity. We are providing them with food and clothes.”

The cops have registered a case in the matter and are trying to ascertain the exact cause.