Srinagar, May 17: A major fire broke out in Lal Bazar area of Srinagar on Saturday evening, causing significant damage to two residential houses while two others suffered partial damage.
According to initial reports, the fire originated in one of the residential houses and quickly spread to three adjacent homes due to the congested setting of the locality. The blaze triggered panic among locals, prompting immediate response from the Fire and Emergency Services, Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces, and Traffic Police.
Emergency teams, assisted by locals, swiftly launched a firefighting operation to contain the flames. Officials confirmed that while the fire was eventually brought under control, two houses were extensively damaged and two others sustained minor damage.
“We responded immediately to the incident and managed to control the fire before it could spread further,” Assistant Director Aqib Hussain Mir fire said.
Meanwhile, residents of Lal Bazar expressed concern over the lack of a dedicated fire station in the area. “The absence of a nearby fire station causes delays in emergency response. We urge the authorities to establish one in our locality to prevent future tragedies,” said a local resident.
Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage, and no injuries have been reported so far. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.
Meanwhile, MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, immediately visited the fire-affected area in Srinagar’s Lal Bazar on Saturday evening following the incident that damaged two houses and partially affected two others.
During his visit, Sadiq met with the affected families and assured them that immediate relief and assistance would be provided. He also took note of the locals’ long-standing demand for a dedicated fire station in the area.
“I will raise this issue with the higher authorities at the earliest. A separate fire station in Lal Bazar is a necessity, and I will do everything possible to ensure it becomes a reality,” Sadiq told the residents.
