Jammu: Two separate fire incidents were reported in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, with a massive forest fire engulfing nearly 1,000 kanals of land in Kishtwar district and another blaze damaging three buildings, including a hotel and two residential houses, in Srinagar. No casualties were reported in either incident.
In Kishtwar, a major fire broke out in the foothills of Trigam, around 25 kilometres from the district headquarters, at approximately 6:54 pm on Monday. The flames spread rapidly uphill, affecting nearly 1,000 kanals (125 acres) of state land and posing a potential threat to the villages of Palan and Pedal.
Farooq Ahmad Mir, In-charge of Fire Station Headquarters, Kishtwar, said the blaze was brought under control around 6 am on Tuesday following nearly 11 hours of sustained firefighting efforts.
Dry grass accelerated the spread of the flames, causing extensive damage to vegetation. Fire and Emergency Services personnel launched an immediate operation, positioning fire tenders at strategic locations to protect nearby villages. Firefighters equipped with fire beaters were also deployed to contain the blaze.
The operation was particularly challenging as the fire had spread nearly two kilometres beyond the last motorable road, making access to the affected area difficult.
Personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services, civil administration, police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with local volunteers, participated in the overnight operation.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, Sunny Gupta, accompanied by senior civil administration officers, also visited the site and supervised the firefighting efforts.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Officials suspect accidental ignition, possibly due to a firecracker or another source, while police are investigating the circumstances.
Meanwhile, in Srinagar, a separate fire broke out in the Indira Nagar area on Tuesday afternoon, damaging three buildings, including a hotel and two residential houses.
According to officials, the fire originated in the attic of one building before spreading to adjoining structures. Fire and Emergency Services personnel rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control.
The attics of all three buildings sustained damage, while no loss of life was reported.
