19 LPG cylinders illegally stored
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 18: A potentially devastating incident was averted today after firefighters recovered 19 “illegally stored” LPG cylinders from a five-storey hotel building that caught fire near Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk, officials said.
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According to the Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES), the blaze was reported to the state control room at 7:15 am, triggering the immediate mobilisation of fire tenders from headquarters and six fire stations.
On reaching the spot, firefighters found flames emanating from the attic portion of the building, officials said.
Deputy Director F&ES, Dr Aqib Hussain Mir, said the attic area was being used as a kitchen and storage space, where a large number of LPG cylinders had been kept.
“As the firefighting operation progressed, 19 gas cylinders were spotted inside the structure and safely removed,” he told reporters here, adding that their timely evacuation prevented any major fallout in the densely populated commercial hub.
He said firefighters deployed a hydraulic platform to access the upper floors and contain the blaze.
The fire, according to the official, was brought under control at around 7:40 am, with teams managing to confine it within a short span despite the congested locality and the height of the building.
“The attic portion of the hotel suffered severe damage, while the extent of damage to the rest of the structure is being assessed. No casualties or injuries were reported,” Mir said.
He said the cylinders had been stored illegally and the matter has been reported to the concerned police station for further action. “If any illegality is established, police will ensure appropriate action.”
Mir also cautioned the public against storing combustible materials in unsafe or unauthorised conditions, particularly in residential or congested areas.
“There are clear safety guidelines regarding storage, including prescribed distances and other requirements, which must be followed,” he said.
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