Tanveer Hussain
Budgam September 9: Three residential houses were completely gutted in a massive fire that broke out during the midnight hours at Khan Mohalla in Gurwait area of Khansahib in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, leaving six families homeless.
The devastating blaze also destroyed household belongings, essential items, clothing and other property of the affected families.
According to local residents, the fire broke out suddenly late at night and quickly engulfed the three residential houses. The intensity of the flames was so high that the families could not get enough time to retrieve their household belongings and other essential items.
As flames rose from the houses, panic gripped the area and local residents rushed out of their homes. Locals immediately reached the spot and made efforts to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby houses and other properties.
Fire and Emergency Services teams from Fire Station Khansahib, F&ES Headquarters Budgam and Fire Station Chadoora reached the spot and carried out firefighting operations.
DFO Budgam Headquarters Noor-ul-Alam said that fire tenders continue to remain stationed at the site as a precautionary measure to monitor the area and prevent any possibility of reignition.
With three houses completely destroyed, six families have been rendered homeless. The affected families said that their household belongings, clothes, essential items and other property were destroyed in the blaze, leaving them in severe distress.
Following the incident, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Khansahib Jahangir Ahmad Giri visited Khan Mohalla, Gurwait, and met the affected families. He assessed the situation and took stock of the losses suffered by the victims.
During the visit, the SDM interacted with the affected families, listened to their concerns and immediate requirements, and expressed solidarity with them. He assured the families that the administration would extend all possible assistance.
The SDM also directed the concerned officials to conduct a detailed assessment of the losses caused by the fire and take all necessary measures to provide eligible relief to the affected families as per the prescribed rules and norms.
As immediate relief, relief kits and blankets were distributed among the affected families to help them meet their basic requirements following the devastating incident.
The SDM was accompanied by officers and officials from the civil administration and other concerned departments, who inspected the affected site and assessed the immediate needs of the families.
The administration assured the victims that their genuine concerns would be considered sympathetically and that all possible assistance would be provided as per the applicable rules and regulations.
Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident and registered a case. The exact cause of the fire and the total extent of the property damage have not yet been ascertained. An investigation is underway, and further details are expected to emerge after completion of the investigation and assessment of losses.
Local residents also extended support to the affected families and assisted them in dealing with the situation following the fire. The devastating incident has left six families facing the immediate challenges of temporary shelter and access to basic necessities, while the administration has assured them of continued support and necessary assistance.
