Asif Malik
SRINAGAR, FEB 11 : A late-night fire in Srinagar’s densely populated Habbakadal locality damaged at least six residential houses and left three persons, including a firefighter, injured, officials said on Wednesday.
An official told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) the Fire and Emergency Services control room received a distress call at 10.32 pm on Tuesday, following which fire tenders from Habbakadal, Babdem and Gowkadal stations were rushed to the spot.
Officials said the narrow lanes and congested construction in the area hampered initial efforts, forcing the department to call in additional firefighting units from other city stations.
During the operation, explosions from two or three LPG cylinders intensified the blaze, which largely gutted the attic portions of the houses, he added.
A fireman sustained a hand injury, while two civilians also suffered minor injuries. All three were treated at a local hospital and discharged.
Deputy Director of Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Mir Aqib Hussain, who supervised the on-ground operation told News Agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained and an investigation is underway.
“Senior officers coordinated the mobilisation of resources. The exact number of houses affected is being verified, but at least six have suffered significant damage,” he said. (KNS)
