465 fire incidents recorded in Kupwara during 2025

Kupwara, Jan 11: The frontier district Kupwara witnessed an alarming rise in fire incidents during 2025, causing significant damage to life and property across the district.

According to official details, a total of 465 fire incidents have been reported so far across the district in the current year. These fire incidents have claimed the lives of four people while 47 were injured.

A total of 233 structures including residential houses, shops, cowsheds, schools, bakeries, an Anganwadi centre, and other establishments were damaged in the fire incidents, resulting in heavy financial losses running into several crores of rupees. Several vehicles were also damaged, while livestock losses were reported in multiple cases. According to an official, electrical short circuits remained one of the key causes behind the majority of these fire incidents reported so far in the district.

In majority of the cases, the Fire and Emergency Services responded to emergencies well in time with the result greater devastation was thwarted. “Fire tenders were pressed into service immediately; every time we received a call regarding a fire incident with the result we were able to control major fires and save property worth crores successfully. However, the challenging terrain, scattered habitations, and limited fire infrastructure continue to pose serious hurdles in timely response” added the official.

Meanwhile, the heavy snowbound areas including Machi, Keran, Budnamal, Jumagund, Kumkadi and other areas are living in constant fear of a devastating fire as authorities have failed to establish firefighting units in these areas over the years.

These remote villages during heavy snowfall often remain cut off, leaving the people isolated for months. During these months, any spark can ignite a disaster, yet there is no help to contain it. The absence of firefighting services in these areas is not a new issue. Residents have long expressed concerns about the vulnerability of their homes and livelihoods. Yet, each year, the situation worsens as the isolation deepens with the onset of winter. In the face of such a crisis, the lack of intervention from local authorities becomes even more apparent.

“When snow blankets the roads, we are completely cut off. If a fire breaks out, there’s no one to call. We’re left to fight it with snow, but that’s not enough. A firefighting unit close by could save lives, but it’s nowhere to be found,” said Irshad, a local from Budnamal area.

“The need for the government to establish firefighting units in these areas is more pressing than ever. What happened in Warwan a few years ago could happen in any of these villages, and unless immediate action is taken, lives and property will continue to be at risk. The time to act is now; before the flames consume more than just homes,” Civil Society Kupwara Convener, Showkat Masoodi told Greater Kashmir.

Authorities have urged residents to strictly follow fire safety norms, ensure proper electrical wiring, and adopt precautionary measures, especially during winter months, to prevent such incidents.