Srinagar: A devastating pre-dawn fire ripped through a densely populated locality of Srinagar on Thursday, triggering panic as ten residential houses were completely gutted in the Bhagyas area of Chattabal, officials said.
Officials from Fire and Emergency Services said the State Fire Control Room at Batamaloo received an alert about the blaze at around 6:31 am. A fire tender from the Safakadal Fire Station was rushed to the spot within minutes.
As the fire spread rapidly through the congested neighbourhood, additional fire engines were pressed into service from the Fire and Emergency Services Headquarters and stations at Syed Hameed Pora, Maharaj Gunj, and Babademb to contain the flames.
By the time firefighters reached the area, several houses were already engulfed in fire. The situation worsened after multiple LPG cylinders reportedly exploded, causing the flames to spread swiftly to adjoining structures closely built together.
The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained and is under investigation. No loss of life or injuries were reported in the incident till the filing of this report.
“Nearly ten residential houses were completely reduced to ashes. After a prolonged firefighting operation, Fire and Emergency Services personnel succeeded in controlling the blaze, while cooling operations continued to prevent any recurrence,” Dr Mir Aqib Hussain, Deputy Director, Fire and Emergency Services, told Kashmir Images.
