Srinagar, Jun 05 (KNO): Three residential houses were damaged in a devastating fire incident at Kalwal Mohalla, Rainawari here on late Thursday night, leaving several families homeless and in distress.
Eyewitnesses and local residents told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the fire broke out suddenly during the night when most residents were asleep.
“We were downstairs when suddenly flames appeared. Within minutes the fire spread rapidly and people started running out of their homes in panic,” Bashir Ahmed local resident said.
Nazir Ahmad, another local said women and children were crying as neighbours rushed to rescue the families and shift household items to safety.
Similarly, residents said the narrow lanes and congested locality added to the panic, while locals joined firefighters in preventing the flames from spreading further.
Officials said the Fire and Emergency Services personnel, assisted by police and local volunteers, launched an immediate firefighting operation and managed to bring the blaze under control after strenuous efforts.
The incident caused damage to three houses, while household goods, bedding, clothes and other valuables were reduced to ashes, locals said. He added the partial damage was also done by the water.
Meanwhile, the affected families appealed to the administration and civil society to provide financial assistance and rehabilitation support, saying they have lost most of their belongings in the fire incident.
“We appeal to the government and kind-hearted people to help these families rebuild their homes and lives. They are in urgent need of support,” Mubashir a local resident said.
Meanwhile, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq visited the affected area on Friday and met the families affected by the blaze.
“Visited Kalwal Mohalla, Rainawari and met the families affected by the devastating fire incident last night. My heart goes out to them during this difficult time,” Sadiq said.
He said he spoke with Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo and requested immediate assistance for the victims. “I have requested that every possible assistance be extended to the affected families. I am personally arranging immediate essential relief and will also provide the maximum permissible assistance from my Constituency Development Fund for fire victims,” he said.
Appealing for solidarity and community support, Sadiq said such difficult moments require collective efforts from society. “At times like these, we must stand together as a community. I appeal to everyone to come forward and support these families in whatever way possible,” he added.
He also appreciated the efforts of Fire & Emergency Services personnel, police and local residents for their timely response in preventing further damage—(KNO)