Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 31: Four structures were damaged and two firefighters were injured after a fire broke out in the Habba Kadal area of the old city today, officials said.
As per the officials, the blaze was reported at around 2:05 pm from the densely populated locality, triggering a swift response from Fire and Emergency Services teams from headquarters as well as nearby stations at Habba Kadal and Gaw Kadal.
District Fire Officer Qamar Ali told reporters that four structures, mostly old constructions, were involved in the incident, and one of the houses partially collapsed during the fire.
He said two firefighting personnel sustained injuries while battling the flames and were shifted to hospital for treatment, with one reported to have suffered more serious injuries.
Officials said the fire was brought under control after sustained efforts, preventing it from spreading further in the congested neighbourhood, where closely packed houses increased the risk of escalation.
Locals, however, claimed that more houses may have been affected.
Nisar Ahmad Sheikh, a resident, said the upper portion of his house was damaged in the incident and that several nearby structures also suffered losses.
He added that the affected families, many of whom are daily-wage earners, have suffered damage to household belongings and are seeking Government assistance to recover from the losses.
Officials maintained that four structures were confirmed to have been damaged, adding that a detailed assessment of losses is currently underway.
The cause of the fire has not been established so far and is under investigation, officials said.
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