At around 2 a.m. on Sunday, December 7, 2025, a massive fire erupted at Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam district, Kerala. Ten traditional fishing boats moored in Kureepuzha were completely destroyed, including nine wooden boats and one fibre boat. Gas cylinder explosions and poor road access made rescue efforts difficult. Despite this, locals and Fire and Rescue Services worked hard to move eight other boats away from the flames, preventing wider damage. The fire was reported late at night by residents, and six fire units battled the blaze for hours, finally controlling it by 7 a.m. Some damaged vessels sank, while others drifted still burning on the water. Kollam District Collector N. Devidas visited the spot and has ordered a detailed inquiry to determine what caused this disaster and assess the full damage. The boats were temporarily moored near Ayyankovil temple during a break in local body election activities. Nine boats belonged to a fisherman from Pozhiyoor, Thiruvananthapuram, and one to a Neendakara resident. This incident closely follows another fire on November 21 near Kavanad that burned two fishing boats, caused by a gas cylinder blast. Local fishers now demand a serious probe to rule out sabotage amid growing concerns over recurring boat fires.