Baramulla: At least 16 shops and a residential structure were gutted and property worth crores of rupees was lost to a blaze in the main market of Uri’s Boniyar in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district during the preceding night.
The affected shopkeepers alleged that their shops were gutted due to the absence of Fire and Emergency Services in the area as no fire tender is available for scores of villages.
Witnesses said that the blaze, which erupted in the middle of the night perhaps due to a short-circuit, wreaked havoc in the market, destroying 16 shops and a residential property.
Officials said the Army personnel posted at a camp in the area were among the first to respond when the fire broke out in the main market of the border town.
“On December 23 at approximately 11:30 PM, a massive fire broke out in the main market of Boniyar, triggered by an electric short-circuit. The incident resulted in the complete destruction of many shops and property,” officials said.
They said the swift response of the Indian Army personnel from a nearby camp played a crucial role in controlling the fire and preventing any loss of life.
“Upon receiving reports of the fire, the Indian Army, stationed in Boniyar, immediately mobilized their resources, including water dozers and fire fighting equipment to the site. Their rapid action significantly contributed to containing the fire, ensuring no further spread and additional damage to the market or nearby structures,” the official added.
The personnel of Fire and Emergency Services also arrived to reinforce the fire-fighting efforts, they said.
The residents of the area expressed their gratitude to the soldiers for their prompt response and commendable efforts in preventing the fire from spreading.
