As winter approaches, fire department urges caution for Kashmir residents

Srinagar, Oct 15: Winters in Kashmir are a delight for outsiders, offering snow-covered mountains and breathtaking hill stations. However, for the local Kashmiri population, these months bring a host of problems. From skyrocketing vegetable prices and electricity shortages to a rise in fire incidents, which are often deadly and destructive.

The fire incidents tend to go up during these months as use of coal, kerosene, wood, and LPG becomes extensive to counter the harsh temperatures.

On Monday, 50 houses, and a grand mosque was damaged in a huge fire in Kashmir's Warwan.

Keeping these factors and facts in-view, the Fire and Emergency Department in the valley has urged caution for the locals and pressed for taking all necessary and possible precautions to prevent fires in residential homes and other buildings.

The dry weather conditions from the month of October significantly increases the risk of blazes, making vigilance and preparedness indispensable.

Given the materials used for construction in Kashmir homes, including wood, the officials from the Fire and Emergency Department have asked people to follow all the safety measures.

“It’s up to individuals to ensure they follow the safety measures,” Aqib Ahmad, Deputy Director of Fire and Emergency services for Srinagar and Ganderbal told news agency KINS.

“As the dry season begins, it becomes crucial to follow the do's and don'ts to prevent fire incidents. Structures in this region are particularly vulnerable because of the widespread use of wood in construction, which is highly susceptible to catching fire.”

Aqib further explained that fire protection measures are often overlooked during the design and construction phases in Kashmir.

“We recommend that people avoid using flammable materials like wood, or at least integrate fire-safety designs into their homes. The lack of such measures often results in widespread damage when fires occur. Having basic fire extinguishers and other safety equipment can make a significant difference in controlling small fires before they become unmanageable,” he said.

He also highlighted the common causes of fire during these months, including LPG leaks and electrical short circuits, both of which are prevalent due to the increased use of heating devices as winter approaches.

“As people rely more on heating gadgets during winter, they need to ensure proper usage and maintenance. Faulty gadgets and overloaded circuits are major contributors to fire incidents,” Aqib noted.

The department’s advisory also included a list of do’s and don'ts, stressing simple but effective preventive measures.

These include avoiding the overloading of electrical circuits, ensuring regular maintenance of LPG connections, keeping fire extinguishers or sand buckets handy, and being cautious with heating appliances.

The dry weather and low moisture content in forests during these months also elevate the risk of forest fires, which can quickly spread and cause extensive damage to both property and life. Residents living in forest-adjacent areas were urged to exercise particular caution.

“Forest fires are a real threat in these months due to the low moisture content. One small spark can quickly lead to large-scale destruction, so it is vital to take all necessary precautions,” he emphasized.

“We can’t take fire safety for granted,” Aqib concluded. “By taking simple precautions and following safety guidelines, many of these incidents can be avoided.”

The department has also assured the public that they are on high alert and ready to respond to any emergencies.

Arif Ahmad, In-charge Deputy Director of Bandipora, who also holds additional responsibilities for Baramulla and Kupwara, has advised the public to use electrical appliances with caution.

He emphasized the importance of not leaving these appliances unattended and urged residents to purchase high-quality electrical items.

Key Fire Safety Tips:

Avoid using faulty or outdated heating gadgets.

Ensure LPG cylinders and connections are well-maintained and free of leaks.

Install basic fire extinguishers in homes and public buildings.

Avoid overloading electrical circuits, particularly with high-power devices.

Be cautious with open flames, especially near wooden structures.

Ensure proper ventilation when using heating devices indoors.