This year, fire incidents show dip in Kashmir: Official

Srinagar, Dec 07: Officials from the Fire and Emergency Department in Kashmir have attributed people’s negligence as the primary cause of the surge in fire-related incidents in Srinagar.
Despite a reported 25% decline in such incidents compared to the previous year, the city is still grappling with a significant number of cases, prompting authorities to call for increased public awareness and cooperation.
Deputy Director of the Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) Commandant in Srinagar, Aqib Ahmad Mir, stated that the department has observed a decline in the number of fire incidents, noting around 1900 cases in comparison to the 2500 incidents recorded last year.
However, Mir pointed out a worrisome trend of delayed reporting, citing instances where calls were reaching the police control room late, causing potential delays in response.
Mir urged the public to keep fire and emergency numbers readily available and emphasized the importance of prompt reporting. He revealed that most fire incidents occur during winter, attributing this trend to the misuse of various gadgets and a lack of adherence to safety guidelines.
Mir particularly highlighted cases of LPG leakage, stating that negligence in handling such situations often leads to devastating outcomes.
In response to the prevailing situation, Mir announced an increase in awareness camps in schools and colleges. The goal is to educate students on how to respond to fire emergencies effectively and to discourage attempts at self-control that could exacerbate the situation.
He stressed the need for the public to immediately contact the fire and emergency department when a fire erupts, rather than attempting to tackle it independently.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has become the hotspot for fire incidents in the region, with 53 reported cases in November alone. Tragically, three tourists from Bangladesh lost their lives, and properties worth millions were reduced to ashes.
Fire and Emergency department acknowledged the lack of fire gaps as contributing to the city’s vulnerability and emphasized the need for increased preparedness, especially during the winter months.
Mir assured the public that the department is actively engaged in efforts to mitigate fire incidents. He highlighted the equal preparedness maintained during both summer and winter and underscored the role of public cooperation in reducing such incidents. Mir concluded by urging citizens to prioritize safety measures, especially concerning heating gadgets like Bukharis and heaters.
The F&ES has conducted numerous awareness events across Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in a 25 per cent reduction in fire incidents compared to previous year.
With 1900 cases reported until October this year, compared to the previous figure of 2500 incidents in a single year, the department remains committed to ensuring the safety of the community through continued awareness and preparedness initiatives.