3 structures gutted in Batamaloo blaze

Srinagar, Jan 8: At least three goods stores were gutted in a fire incident at Batamaloo area here.

Officials said the fire incident occurred around noon near Tattoo Ground. Officials from the Fire and Emergency department said that they rushed multiple fire tenders to douse off the flames.

“These were three goods stores, including a cloth and wood store, which were gutted in the incident. We pressed eight fire tenders into service from Headquarters and other fire stations to control the fire,” said the official, adding that the cause of the fire is being ascertained.

The officials said that Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel from 10th Battalion adjacent to the incident also helped to douse off the fire.

“We were busy with our usual office work when we noticed the fire. I pressed my relief and rescue team to help in controlling the fire. Meanwhile, Fire and Emergency service also arrived, and the fire was kept from spreading,” Rohit Aswa, Commandant of the SSB Battalion, said.

The locals and the fire victims alleged that the Fire and Emergency department could not reach in time.

“We lost goods worth lakhs of rupees and had the Fire and Emergency services reached us in time, some of the goods could have been saved,” said a fire victim.