5 houses gutted at Nowpora

Srinagar, Dec 3: Five houses were gutted while several structures were damaged in a devastating fire incident at the congested Nowpora locality of Khanyar constituency today.

Officials from Fire and Emergency Services said they received the fire call at around 1:46 p.m. from the densely populated locality. “Soon after receiving the call, we pressed multiple fire tenders into service from Headquarters, Rainawari, Babadem, and Gawkadal stations,” an official from F&ES said, adding that the congested roads and narrow lanes posed a major challenge in controlling the flames from spreading further.

“Our priority was to stop the fire from engulfing nearby structures, given the congested nature of the locality. The firefighters worked tirelessly for hours,” he said. However, despite the intense efforts, at least five houses were damaged.

Witnesses said more than one family used to reside in one structure, which made the issue worse for the victims. Residents described the scenes as chaotic and heart-wrenching, with women, children, and the elderly rushing out of their burning homes, crying and wailing as they watched their belongings perish in the flames. “We have lost everything. All our furnishing, bedding, matting, and important household items are completely destroyed,” said a female fire victim in tears.

She said the family had kept wedding-related items for their daughters, including gold ornaments and other costly belongings, which were also gutted. “We belong to a poor family. We survive on menial labour. It took years to collect those items. Now we are left with nothing, not even a roof to take shelter under in this freezing cold,” she added.

Locals said the affected families belong to economically weaker backgrounds and were already struggling to make ends meet. “Many elderly people and sole breadwinners lived in these houses. This tragedy has pushed them into uncertainty. Authorities must provide immediate relief,” said a neighbour who rushed to help the victims.

Residents, however, appreciated the quick response of the Fire and Emergency Services and police. “Considering the narrow lanes and the congested structure, the firefighters did a commendable job in preventing a larger disaster,” locals said.

To mention, over the past several weeks, Srinagar has witnessed a surge in fire incidents, both in residential areas and government buildings. With the onset of sub-zero temperatures, officials have repeatedly urged people to strictly follow safety guidelines while using heating and electrical appliances.

“In such congested areas, once fire erupts from one structure, it spreads rapidly and turns into a major disaster,” officials warned, appealing for strict adherence to safety protocols issued by the Fire and Emergency Services.

Meanwhile, residents urged the administration to immediately rehabilitate the affected families before night temperatures dip further.