Mangalore: These fire cases are not only increasing in Western Ghats forest areas, but in cities as well, due to careless attitudes among householders.

A fire erupted in a house of J.P. Shetty, a paint businessman at Baikampady, on Wednesday in lower Car Street.

Shetty was heating paints in a shed at his house, when either due to breeze or due to intensity, fire spread around, causing heavy losses. The shed was totally charred in the arson. Loss is heavy, but has to be determined.

Pandeshwar fire service men rushed to the area with two fire engines, and managed to put out the flames after a steady fight.

Bunder police have registered a case of fire. It is not clear if shetty had insured the shed against the fire risk. Besides, his shed should have been in the industrial area, not at his house in a residential area with business shops around.