Chinar tree damaged in fire incident at Habak

Srinagar, Jun 30: Panic gripped the Habak area of Hazratbal on Monday morning after a fire broke out in a chinar tree, considered a living heritage of Kashmir.

According to officials from the Fire and Emergency Services Department, the fire incident was reported at around 7:56 am. They said that soon after receiving the call, fire tenders from the nearby Hazratbal station were rushed to the spot to control the blaze.

A Fire and Emergency Services official said, “as soon as we received the information, our men and machinery were immediately pressed into service to douse the flames and prevent the fire from spreading. Our priority was to save the heritage chinar tree and ensure there was no further damage in the area.”

The official added that the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

“There are electricity lines running close to the tree, but we are yet to ascertain the exact reason behind the fire,” he said.

Meanwhile, the incident created panic among the residents, who gathered around the site, worried about the safety of the majestic chinar, which holds deep cultural and historical significance in Kashmir.

To mention, amid soaring temperatures in Srinagar this summer, the city has witnessed a spurt in fire-related incidents. Officials have issued advisories, urging people to follow all necessary safety measures to prevent such mishaps. Residents have been advised to stay cautious, especially in areas with overhead power lines and dry vegetation, as the risk of fires remains high.