Srinagar- Srinagar is grappling with a concerning surge in fire incidents in recent months, with the majority of the incidents happening due to “electric short circuits and LPG leakage”, an official said.
A senior official of the Fire & Emergency Services department said during the last two months, over 175 fire incidents have been reported in Srinagar. Most of these incidents, he said, were caused by electric short circuits, followed by LPG gas leaks.
“The ongoing year has so far recorded over 175 fire incidents resulting in the death of at least 3 persons and injuries to two. Primarily, most of them have occurred due to the electric short circuits after indiscriminate use of heating gadgets and excessive load on the wires,” the official said, as per news agency KNO.
According to the officials, despite holding frequent fire and safety awareness camps, during the year 2023, district Srinagar received around 550-600 fire calls. Many people, the official lamented, have ignored the Dos and Don’ts of fire safety guidelines issued by the department.
Speaking on the issue, the Fire & Emergency Services official highlighted the need for increased awareness camps, programs and heightened caution regarding fire safety measures across Kashmir.
“Simple precautions like regular maintenance of electrical appliances, proper storage of flammable materials, and awareness of fire evacuation procedures can significantly reduce the likelihood of such incidents,” he stated.
Meanwhile, residents in Srinagar are expressing concerns over the frequent frequency of fire incidents in recent months. They emphasized the importance of measures to prevent loss of life and property.
“We have noticed an increase in fire incidents in Srinagar, and it is worrying. It’s crucial for everyone to prioritize fire safety and take necessary precautions to avoid such emergencies,” said Tahir Ramzan, a resident of Srinagar outskirts.
Batamalloo Blaze: 5 houses Gutted, F&ES Incharge Among 2 Firefighters Injured
At least five residential houses were damaged while two fire-fighters suffered injuries while dozing off flames in Batamalloo area of Srinagar late last evening, officials said.
Two residential sheds, copper utensils manufacturing units were damaged directly while two other residential houses suffered indirect damage due to heat and water.
An official said the fire broke out from a residential house in the Baranpathar area, which engulfed other structures within no time.
Five residential houses, he claimed, were damaged while two firefighters sustained injuries in the fire incident.
Sharing details about the damage, he added that two residential sheds and one single-storey structure used for two copper utensils manufacturing units namely M/S Showkat Ahmad and FJ Copper Works, were damaged in the fire due to electric short circuit.
He added that both the residential sheds along with household goods were severely damaged in the fire, whereas the roofing and ceiling of the structure were partially damaged and copper utensils, three leather splitting machines sustained indirect damage due to heat and water.
Also, the roofing of another adjacent single-storey house and one side window glasses, PVC pipes of the double-storey house sustained indirect damage due to heat and water.
He said that during the operation, two fire-fighters were injured, namely Noor Alam, Incharge Srinagar City, and one fireman Aijaz Ahmad, who were shifted to SMHS Hospital for treatment, however, their condition is believed to be stable.
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