Devastating fire leaves 10 families homeless in Handwara, 7 residential houses gutted

Kupwara, July 14: At least ten families were left shelterless in a devastating blaze that erupted on Saturday night in Yengarhar Rajwar area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

Locals told Greater Kashmir that the blaze broke out in a house and soon spread to other houses in its proximity leaving ten families homeless.

"Soon after the blaze in a house, the family members started screaming following which we rushed to the spot and started a rescue operation but we could only save humans and couldn't take out their belongings due to the raging flames," said a local resident.

"The fire turned massive in no time and spread rapidly in the residential area, resulting in extensive damage," he added.

Police, local Army Unit of Wader and Fire and Emergency officials immediately swung into action, attempting to douse the flames. The fire caused massive damage to the residents before it was finally doused after hours of joint endeavor.

The residents, while expressing their anger, said that they have been repeatedly requesting concerned officials to set up a separate fire station at Zachaldara but their appeals have gone unheard every time.

"Had there been a fire station at Zachaldara, the damage could have been less. Don't know why our pleas are not being taken seriously," said another local.

Meanwhile Tehsildar Zachaldara Syed Basharat while talking to Greater Kashmir said that seven residential houses and two cowsheds were gutted in the incident. "Five cows and two calves were charred, however no loss of life or injury to any human was reported in the incident," he added.

He said that ten families affected in the incident were given Rs 10000, beddings and utensils out of the Red Cross fund.

He said that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.

The incident has left the whole Rajwar area in shock with many mourning the loss of their homes and livestock.