Srinagar, Nov 19 (KNO): At least 18 small-sized adjacent residential structures were damaged, leaving nearly two dozens of families homeless and causing widespread destruction, after a devastating blaze broke out in Abi Gurpora Rainawari, Srinagar, officials said.
Officials said the cooling operation is ongoing, with nearly 18 small-sized adjacent residential structures completely damaged, while local residents alleged the operation faced significant delays due to narrow roads and illegal roadside parking.
An official from the Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) department told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the incident was reported around 4:05 PM, prompting an immediate response from the department.
He said the Fire and Emergency Services dispatched fire tenders immediately. However, local residents alleged that the operation faced delays because of narrow roads and illegal roadside parking, which hindered the fire tenders from reaching the affected area promptly.
“At least 18 small-sized adjacent residential structures, mostly double or single-storey wooden and semi-concrete buildings with galvanized iron sheet roofs, were involved in the blaze, and the fire was later controlled,” he said.
“As of now, the fire has been brought under control, and cooling operations are underway to prevent any resurgence,” he added.
Despite the timely response, the densely packed area and infrastructural challenges compounded the difficulties faced by the fire fighting teams.
Meanwhile, the eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with residents rushing to save whatever belongings they could from their homes.
“The narrow lanes and haphazard parking of vehicles made it impossible for the fire tenders to navigate swiftly. This has been a long-standing issue in our area,” a local resident said.
Meanwhile, the exact cause of the fire is being ascertained while no casualties have been reported so far, but many families have been displaced and are in urgent need of assistance.
MLA Zadibal, Tanveer Sadiq, visited Abi Gurpora and assured the victims of all possible support.
“Just visited Abi Gurpora Rainawari, where a devastating fire reportedly damaged around 10 houses in the interiors of Srinagar’s Rainawari. Met the affected families—it’s truly a heartbreaking incident. Fire tenders and police are actively working on the ground,” wrote the MLA on her Facebook page.
He also wrote, “Spoke to DC @DrBilalbhatIAS Sb, who immediately dispatched a team of officers to assess the damage. These are underprivileged families, and I urge everyone to come forward and support them in this difficult time.”—(KNO)