Furniture manufacturing unit, building gutted at Munawarabad
Srinagar, Dec 8: A massive fire broke out late Sunday night at Munawarabad area of Srinagar, gutting a furniture manufacturing unit and a double-storey structure, officials from Fire and Emergency Services said.
Officials said the fire call was received at 10:27 pm, following which multiple firefighting units were rushed to the spot from Headquarters, Babademb, Safa Kadal, MR Gunj, Rainawari and Gawkadal fire stations. They said firefighters battled intense flames for several hours before finally containing the blaze after hours of effort.
According to officials, in addition to a fire manufacturing unit, a double-storey commercial structure was also gutted that housed six rooms on the first floor and six shops on the ground floor.
“In no time, the fire engulfed the entire building. Since the site included a furniture unit, the presence of timber and other highly inflammable materials caused the fire to intensify rapidly,” an officer from Fire and Emergency Services said, adding that their priority was to ensure the flames did not spread further.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and fear as huge flames leapt skyward and thick smoke filled the night air.
“It was terrifying. The flames were massive, and the entire area was filled with smoke. People were shouting and running to save whatever they could,” said a local resident from Munawarabad.
Officials said that after hours of relentless efforts, firefighters managed to confine the blaze, initiating a cooling-down operation. They said the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained and is currently under investigation.
To mention, in recent weeks, Srinagar has witnessed a steep rise in fire incidents across government establishments, residential areas, and commercial zones. Lakhs of rupees worth of property, equipment, and household goods have been destroyed, leaving many families shelterless.
Senior officials from Fire and Emergency Services again appealed to the public to strictly follow safety advisories and standard operating procedures.
“We urge residents and commercial unit owners to handle heating gadgets and electrical equipment responsibly. Prevention is the only way to curb such devastating losses,” officials said.
