37 structures gutted in overnight Barzulla blaze

Srinagar, Jan 7: Fire-fighting operation at Barzulla’s Bulbul Bagh locality in Srinagar ended after a 30-hour period, bringing to a close one of the major fire incidents reported in the city in recent times.

The fire had broken out yesterday evening. Fire and Emergency Services teams were immediately mobilised, and the first response unit reached the spot within minutes to initiate containment measures.

The blaze involved a U-shaped, double-storeyed showroom-cum-godown constructed with pucca wooden structure and GCI sheets. Several business establishments were operating from the premises. The structure was being used to store cosmetics, paint thinner, hardware goods, kiryana items, medicines, kitchenware, blankets, tyres, carry bags and other miscellaneous materials.

37 residential sheds constructed with wooden frames, tarpaulin and GCI sheets were also engulfed by the fire. Household goods and scrap material stored inside these sheds were severely damaged.

Officials said the main U-shaped structure suffered extensive damage, including the complete loss of flooring and furnishing items such as carpets, curtains and other fittings. The wooden structure of the transport company was partially damaged, while a large quantity of stored material, including medicines, hardware goods, kiryana items, blankets and carry bags was destroyed. One motorcycle was also damaged in the incident.

The prolonged firefighting operation was headed by Deputy Director Fire and Emergency Services Mir Aqib Hussain and Mobilising Officer Aijaz Ahmad Shah, under the direct supervision of ADGP Fire and Emergency Services Alok Kumar. During the operation, a fire tender from Fire Station Rawalpora sustained damage after its front windshield was broken by locals at the scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. No loss of life was reported.