Blaze breaks out at DFO Tangmarg, joint operation controls flames

Tangmarg, Nov 19: A sudden fire erupted at the Divisional Forest Office in Tangmarg this morning, triggering a swift response from Fire and Emergency Services, Jammu and Kashmir Police and locals who launched a coordinated operation to control the blaze.

Witnesses said the flames broke out in one of the office sections and spread rapidly due to wooden structures and stored records. Fire tenders reached the spot soon after the incident and began firefighting efforts using multiple water jets. Police assisted by sealing the area to ensure smooth movement of fire tenders while locals volunteered alongside firefighters to check the spread of the blaze.

Officials from Fire and Emergency Services said the fire had gained intensity because of combustible material inside the building, though teams managed to prevent the flames from reaching adjoining compartments of the complex. The firefighting operation continued for several hours until the situation was fully controlled.

Forest officials present at the site said that an assessment of the damage has begun. Preliminary indications point to the loss of office furniture, documents and stored items. No casualties or injuries were reported as the office had minimal staff presence at the time of the incident.

Police said the cause of the fire is being examined and a case has been registered in this regard. [KNT]