Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 11: At least six residential houses were damaged in a massive fire that broke out late last night in the congested Habba Kadal area of Srinagar’s old city.
Eyewitnesses said the fire erupted around 10:30 pm and spread rapidly due to the closely packed structures in the locality.
An official said that two persons sustained injuries in the incident, while a firefighter suffered grievous hand injuries during the operation.
All the injured were shifted to hospital for treatment.
Locals said the blaze caused extensive damage, leaving several families devastated.
They said the fire originated in a rented house and quickly spread to neighbouring buildings.
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“The damage has been immense. One family, apart from losing their house, has also lost jewellery that had been kept aside for their daughter’s marriage,” said Mudasir Ahmad, a resident.
Another local, Sanjay Dhar, said his three-storey house was also damaged.
“The fire started around 10:30 pm. My three-storey house has been damaged and the overall loss is massive. I hope the Government will provide the necessary assistance,” he said.
The official, the State Fire Control Room received the fire call at 10:32 pm, following which fire tenders from Habba Kadal, Babdem, Gowkadal, Headquarters and Syed Hameed Pora were rushed to the spot within minutes.
Given the highly congested nature of the area, as per officials, additional teams from Maharaj Gunj, Rainawari, Safa Kadal, Rawalpora, Nowshhera and Nowgam were also deployed to bring the blaze under control.
“During the operation, Fireman Fameed Ahmad (FM-1853) sustained grievous hand injuries and was immediately shifted to hospital. Two civilians also suffered injuries and were provided medical care,” he said.
They added that the bursting of two to three LPG cylinders intensified the fire, resulting in damage to six residential houses, mainly affecting their attic portions.
The operation was supervised on the spot by Deputy Director Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Mir Aqib Hussain, while Aijaz Ahmad Shah ensured coordination and mobility of firefighting units.
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