Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 6: A massive fire broke out today in the Tengpora area along the Tengpora-Bulbulbagh Road, engulfing several temporary tin-shed structures housing furnishings and other highly combustible materials, officials said.
The fire erupted around 5 pm, with the State Fire Control Room, Batamaloo, receiving a distress call at 5:06 pm.
The blaze spread rapidly, prompting the Jammu and Kashmir Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) Department to press multiple fire tenders into service.
Fire tenders were rushed from Fire Station Rawalpora, F&ES Headquarters, Fire Station JVC, Nowgam, Rangreth, Pampore and Syed Hameedpora.
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On reaching the spot, firefighters found several godowns and makeshift structures-including warehouses of a transport company, carpet and furnishing sheds, and units stocked with hardware items, paints and other flammable materials-fully engulfed in flames.
Officials said the presence of highly inflammable materials such as carpets, foam (thermocol), oil, paints and thinners significantly contributed to the rapid spread and intensity of the fire.
Some nearby structures were also affected by the flames, eyewitnesses said.
Considering the magnitude of the incident, additional reinforcements, including foam tenders, foam cans, a Bronto Skylift tender and fire water boozers, were dispatched from the headquarters to contain the blaze.
Firefighters battled the fire for hours, and operations were underway till filing of this report.
“The situation is under control, but firefighters are still on the job to completely douse the flames. The fire has been confined; however, it will take some more time to fully extinguish it,” an official said, adding that the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained.
During the operation, one firefighter suffered suffocation due to exposure to toxic gases and was immediately shifted to a hospital for treatment.
His condition was stated to be stable.
The firefighting operation is being led by Deputy Director Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Mir Aqib Hussain, along with Mobilising Officer Aijaz Ahmad Shah, under the direct supervision of ADGP Fire and Emergency Services J&K, Alok Kumar.
Meanwhile, no civilian casualties have been reported.
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