January 27: Gasa Dzong was threatened by a fire that broke out on the night of January 22. With officials and volunteers rushing to contain the fire, the blaze was contained. When BBS reached Gasa on Friday, we saw Gasa Tashi Thongmoen Dzong, a national edifice, standing tall and magnificent.

On the night of the January 22, at around 8pm, the fire that threatened the Dzong was first reported by the delimitation officer.

Gasa Dzongda Karma Weeizer said it took about 20 to 30 minutes to mobilize people to control the fire. He said that even though the Ka-gye lhakhang was affected by the fire, they were able to save the invaluable nangtens and artifacts.

Karma Weeizer said the fire had started in the koenyer’s room.

“Initially we thought the cause of the fire was electrical short circuit but after the investigation team came from Home Ministry as well as from the police, we confirmed that the cause of the fire was from the electrical appliances," said the Dzongda.

Local residents including the business community of Gasa, the people from Khatey and Khamey gewogs, visitors who had come to the tshachu, security personnel and the dzongkhag staff helped to fight the fire.

By 5:30 in the morning, the fire had been contained. Along with many precious spiritual treasures, Gasa Tashi Thongmoen Dzong survived the blaze.