At least nine houses were gutted in a fire at Katal Tali of the district town early yesterday.  Witnesses said the fire originated from an electric short-circuit at a house in the area and soon engulfed the adjoining houses. On information, fire fighting personnel with police and local people extinguished the blaze after two hours of frantic efforts.  Assistant Director of Fire Service and Civil Defence Golam Mostafa said nine houses were gutted and the losses caused by the fire could go up to Tk 10 lakh.