Baramulla, Dec 04: In a devastating incident on Sunday night, a furniture factory and five residential houses were reduced to ashes in a raging fire that swept through Kanlibagh Baba Reshi Road in Baramulla district, north Kashmir.
Locals said that the intensity of the flames left more than 2.5 crore rupees worth of property in ruins.
Eyewitnesses told Rising Kashmir that the fire was so intense that it engulfed everything around in a matter of moments, leaving a trail of destruction.
The incident, which took place late in the evening, saw a swift response from the Fire and Emergency department, army, police, and locals.
Farooq Ahmad, one of the furniture factory owners, said that the fire erupted near a smart meter, leading to the complete destruction of the factory and adjacent residential houses belonging to Farooq Ahmad Sheikh, Fayaz Ahmad Sheikh, Mohd Shafi Mir, and Firdous Ahmed Mir.
The combined efforts of the firefighting teams and the army, police and locals, however, managed to prevent the flames from spreading further.
The Fire and Emergency department reported that one wood factory specializing in walnut furniture making was completely burnt, and five houses, including the factory, were entirely destroyed.
Several other houses, including the residence of Firdaus Ahmed Mir, suffered partial damage.
A statement from the Fire and Emergency department indicated that the prompt response of the authorities, including the army, police, and local population, played a crucial role in preventing more extensive damage.
The firefighting operation involved eight fire tenders and two motors, highlighting the magnitude of the incident.
The cause of the fire has been determined as a short circuit, according to officials.
“Despite facing disruptions from some elements, the firefighting teams successfully controlled the flames with cooperation from the police, army, and the general public,” an official of the Fire and Emergency department said.
Javid Ahmad, President of the Industrial Estate in Sopore, has appealed to the LG administration and district authorities to extend immediate assistance to the affected families and factory owners for their rehabilitation.
“This furniture unit was one of the leading units in the entire Baramulla district where polished walnut beds, chairs and sofas were made. At the time of fire, crores of furnished furniture was inside the unit which was left to ashes. Now they need assistance from the local administration and LG administration,” he added.
As investigations continue into the aftermath of the fire, the locals and elected representatives are urging the government to provide compassionate support to those impacted by this tragic incident.
The plea for assistance echoes through the devastated streets of Kanlibagh Baramulla, emphasizing the need for swift and comprehensive action to aid the recovery of the affected families and businesses in those chilly winter days.
