SRINAGAR, MAY 20: With temperatures soaring across Jammu and Kashmir, the Fire and Emergency Services Department has issued a comprehensive fire safety advisory, urging the public to follow preventive measures to minimize fire incidents during the summer season.
Dr. Aqib Hussain Mir, Assistant Director of Fire and Emergency Services Command Srinagar, spoke to Rising Kashmir about the current fire situation. He emphasized that while the Jammu division continues to bear the highest fire load, accounting for approximately 80% of all cases, the Kashmir division is also at risk, particularly concerning forest and household fires. Currently, Kashmir division contributes to around 20% of the total fire incidents.
“In Jammu division, the fire load is very high, about 80%, but we cannot ignore the 20% from the Kashmir valley, especially when it comes to forest fires. Preventive care is essential,” said Dr. Mir. He highlighted that nearly 20% of Jammu and Kashmir’s geographical area is forested, with every district having some form of forest cover, making it a crucial natural asset that requires protection.
Dr. Mir also pointed out that human negligence plays a significant role in forest fires, citing common practices like burning wood to make coal or to stay warm while trekking, which are often left unattended. “Sometimes, villagers or trekkers burn wood and leave it unattended. Such actions lead to uncontrollable forest fires. That’s why we always say prevention is better than cure,” he added.
In addition to forest fires, the department is seeing a rise in household fire cases during the summer season. Dr. Mir advised citizens to ensure proper kitchen ventilation and to conduct electrical audits of their homes. “Wires under carpets or furniture often break due to pressure, and when insulation is damaged, it can lead to sparking and cause fires. It’s crucial to turn off the main switch before leaving the house,” he said.
The department issued the latest fire safety advisory just yesterday, and Dr. Mir urged the public to take it seriously. “We request citizens to implement the advisory strictly. The aim is to reduce the risk of fire and protect lives and property,” he noted.
Providing current data, Dr. Mir said that Srinagar has witnessed 267 fire incidents so far. Among these, eight forest fires were reported within the city limits. Although this number is significantly lower compared to fire and crop fires in Jammu province, he warned that the threat of fire in the valley cannot be dismissed and calls for sustained vigilance.
Srinagar is currently served by 28 fire units, which include 23 fire stations and 5 fire posts. These stations are strategically distributed to cater to the entire Srinagar district.
Addressing recent allegations regarding delays in responding to a fire incident in the Lal Bazar area, Dr. Mir clarified that the fire call was received at 6:17 p.m., and the department dispatched a vehicle by 6:18 p.m., within one minute. “Our response officially starts from the moment we receive a fire call. We rely entirely on public information, as the fire department does not have its own mechanism to detect incidents,” he explained.
Countering claims that fire tenders arrived after an hour, Dr. Mir stated, “That is very wrong. I reached the fire site within 40 minutes, along with all dispatched tenders. Delay claims are inaccurate.”
He further appealed to the public to support emergency operations by clearing the way for fire vehicles during peak traffic hours. “Most people cooperate, but a few still block roads or park improperly, which delays us. Such actions during emergencies can have serious consequences,” he cautioned.
