Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir recorded 6752 incidents of fire till November 2024, with Srinagar dominating the list with 700 such occurrences by the end of the year, officials said Wednesday.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said 23 of its personnel were injured in various firefighting operations.
North Kashmir, according to officials, recorded 1312 fire incidents till November 2024, with Baramulla recording 548 incidents, followed by 407 in Kupwara and 357 in Bandipora.
Srinagar district in central Kashmir alone saw the single highest 700 cases till end of the year.
There has been a sharp rise in fire incidents in Srinagar compared to previous year but Baramulla in north Kashmir too has seen an alarming increase of 170 from 2023, followed by 108 cases in Kupwara and 77 in Bandipora districts, officials said.
Speaking to ‘Kashmir Images’ Assistant Director Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) Kashmir, Aqib Hussain Mir said these instances occur as a result of extended dry spell and freezing temperatures, which raise the demand of heating appliances like gas and electronics room heaters in winters.
“Being congested, Srinagar has again topped the list, recording the single highest 700 fire incidents from January to November 2024. Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora districts of north Kashmir recorded 548, 407 and 357 fire incidents respectively, Mir said, adding Bandipora has recorded a substantially lower number of fire incidents this year.
Intense fire incidents, Mir said, are only reported in the valley, while Jammu province experiences minor instances during the winter months.
“The department also conducted 5000 fire service audits during the year, while over 6000 awareness programs were held across the region” he said, adding 23 firefighters also suffered injuries while putting out the fire.
