Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 18: An overnight blaze in the Noorbagh area of Srinagar damaged nearly a dozen residential houses, leaving at least 22 families homeless.
Eyewitnesses accused the Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) of arriving late-nearly half an hour after the fire broke out.
They said the fire suddenly erupted in the densely populated Pamposh Colony around 10:25 PM and quickly spread, engulfing several homes.
However, officials from F&ES stated they received a call at 10:35 PM, after which fire tenders were immediately dispatched.
“The first emergency unit reached the spot just a minute later, at 10:36 PM,” an official said.
While the cause of the fire remains unknown, affected residents said that they continue to wait for assistance.
According to F&ES officials, the fire engulfed thirteen structures, including two double-storey houses, five single-storey pucca houses, and six sheds made of GCI sheets.
Locals said the fire tenders struggled to reach the site in time due to the narrow approach roads and vehicles parked on both sides, obstructing movement.
“There is nothing left. People couldn’t save anything. They’ve been left with only the clothes they were wearing. All their savings and belongings are gone-everything reduced to ashes,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a local resident.
A woman who lost her house recounted hearing screams around 10:30 PM that prompted her to step outside.
“When I came out, the entire area was in flames. It was sudden. All we could save were the clothes we had on,” she said, urging authorities to provide immediate assistance.
Residents said the narrow lanes and haphazardly parked vehicles seriously hampered the firefighting efforts, contributing to the massive damage.
Firefighting units from several stations-including F&ES Headquarters, Safakadal, Shalteng, Mujgund, Babademb, and MR Gunj-were deployed. The fire was brought under control by 11:22 PM.
“No casualties were reported. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation,” officials said.
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