Srinagar, Feb 10, KDC: At least six residential houses were damaged after a late-night fire broke out in the congested Habbakadal area of Srinagar, officials said on Wednesday.
According to officials, a distress call was received by the State Fire Control Room at 10:32 PM, prompting an immediate response from multiple fire stations.
Fire tenders from Habakadal, Babdem, Gowkadal, Headquarters and Syed Hameed Pora were rushed to the spot within a minute of receiving the call. Given the narrow lanes and dense habitation in the locality, additional reinforcements from Maharaj Gunj, Rainawari, Safakadal, Rawalpora, Nowshhera and Nowgam were also pressed into service to contain the blaze.
During the firefighting operation, a fireman sustained serious injuries to his hand and was shifted to hospital for treatment. Two civilians also suffered injuries and were taken to hospital for medical care. Officials said that two to three gas cylinders exploded during the incident, causing significant damage, mainly to the attic portions of six houses.
The operation was supervised on the spot by Deputy Director, Fire & Emergency Services, Dr. Mir Aqib Hussain, while senior officers coordinated the movement of fire units to ensure smooth access in the congested area. Meanwhile, ADGP Alok Kumar urged the public to exercise caution while using electrical appliances and LPG cooking gas. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained and remains under investigation. (KDC)
