Praghosa Das: I was saddened to hear about the fire at the Manor’s Goshala but incredibly grateful to Krishna that nobody was hurt and that the cows are safe. I was also very happy to learn that Jagaddhatri, Devaki and Sanjay are all fine after being treated in hospital for smoke inhalation.
The quick actions and tireless work of both our devotees and emergency services helped to contain the fire, and avoid what could have been an unimaginable disaster. It is testimony to the devotees’ ‘can-do’ spirit that the Manor is already open to the public and the Goshala will be open on Monday.
I’d like to offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, and pray that we can rebuild the barn very soon.
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Mina Sharma: On Friday afternoon, a fire broke out in the main hay barn of the Goshala farm at Bhaktivedanta Manor. All staff and animals are safe and unharmed, however three devotees were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation. The main building of the Goshala, as well as the large barn and workshop areas, remain undamaged by the fire, however the hay barn has been completely destroyed.
The emergency services arrived within fifteen minutes, and there were five fire engines on site. At the moment, the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Bhaktivedanta Manor was closed to the public on Friday, but reopened on Saturday. The Goshala remains closed and will reopen on Monday.
At the moment, fire fighters are onsite as the last remains of the fire burn out.
Gauri Das, Managing Director at Bhaktivedanta Manor said:
“We are incredibly grateful to the fire services for their speedy response and clear expertise and bravery in tackling the blaze. They have been both vigilant, courageous and extremely well mannered.
“We are also deeply grateful to an off duty police officer and two other lads, one with an English three lions tattoo on his upper arm, for jumping into action with a take charge attitude in clearing buildings and securing the site. They just happened to be visiting the farm and we do hope to track them down for an official community thank you.
“We have lost a barn to a fire. It is devastating and we remain somewhat still in shock. However we are full of thanks to Lord Krishna in our prayers that all are safe and we will rebuild our barn.”
Thank you
Ys Mina
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An article from https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/16894904.hay-fire-at-bhakdivedanta-manor-near-bushey/
A fire broke out in a barn in the grounds of a famous temple.
Firefighters were called to a blaze at the Hare Krishna Temple site near Aldenham.
Several bales of hay were well alight at the Goshala barn. The fire is believed to have begun at around 1pm and firefighters arrived within ten minutes.
Managing director at Bhaktivedanta Manor, Gauri Das, said at least four fire engines were called to the scene and everyone was evacuated from the area.
There were no injuries and all animals at the site were safe.
Guests reacted quickly to make sure any gas bottles or flammable items were kept away from the fire before they were forced to get away from the site by the emergency services.
Police and paramedics were also present and some people were checked for smoke inhalation.
The blaze was contained earlier this afternoon, however the temple has confirmed that it will be closed until further notice and has apologized for any inconvenience caused.
Speaking at the time, Mr Das said: “Everywhere is clear fortunately but a lot of hay is on fire. Crews have got water hoses out to try and put the fire out. It’s a beautiful barn which thousands of Hindu’s come to visit.”
Just a couple of weeks ago, the manor hosted the annual Janmashtami festival.
