3 houses gutted at Nowhatta
Srinagar, Jan 8: At least three houses were gutted in a fire incident at Pandan area of Nowhatta area in Downtown Srinagar, triggering panic in the densely populated locality.
According to officials from Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES), a fire call was received by the State Fire Control Room at around 4:38 pm. Soon after, fire tenders from Babademb, Nowshera, SH Pora, Headquarters, and Rainawari were rushed to the spot with multiple firefighting units to douse the flames.
Officials said massive flames and thick smoke engulfed the area, prompting residents of adjoining houses to rush out and move their belongings amid fears the fire would spread further in the congested neighbourhood. “Given the narrow lanes and closely packed houses, the situation was challenging. Our primary objective was to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures. At least three residential houses were gutted in the incident,” an official said.
Deputy Director Fire and Emergency Services, Mir Aaqib Hussain, along with Mobilising Officer Aijaz Ahmad Shah and other senior officers, reached the spot to supervise and coordinate the firefighting operations, which were still underway till the last reports.
Officials said that during the operation, a firefighter, identified as Nazir Ahmad of Fire Station Rainawari, sustained injuries and was immediately shifted to the hospital for treatment. Two civilians also received minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital. “The condition of all the injured is stable,” officials said.
Residents said the fire created chaotic scenes in the area. “This is a very congested locality with mostly old houses. If a fire breaks out in one house, it can easily turn into a catastrophe. Firefighters did their best under very difficult conditions,” a local resident said, adding that locals also assisted in the operation.
Officials said the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained and would be investigated. They reiterated that downtown areas remain highly vulnerable to fire incidents due to narrow lanes. “People should strictly follow safety SOPs and take precautions, especially during winter, to prevent such incidents,” officials said.
