Bhubaneswar: Four bullocks received critical burn injuries and properties worth over lakhs of rupees were reduced to ashes as a major fire engulfed four houses at Nandala village under Krushnaprasad block in Puri district early this morning.

According to reports, the fire emanated from an unknown source and spread fast late on Monday night. On being informed by villagers, a team of fire personnel rushed to the spot and doused the fire.

The houses damaged in the fire mishap belong to Sarat Chandra Swain of the village. The exact reason behind the incident was yet to b ascertained.