Kupwara, Dec 27: As of December 15, 2023, the frontier district of Kupwara in North Kashmir has witnessed 278 fire incidents, resulting in one fatality, one civilian injury, and four injuries to firefighters while the total property loss is estimated at approximately 6,86,25,700.
Kashmir News Service (KNS) accessed detailed information revealing the challenges faced by the district. Despite the efforts of the Fire and Emergency Services J&K, comprising 166 personnel and 19 fire stations, operational difficulties persist due to faulty roads and hilly terrain in certain areas.
Given the dispersed nature of Kupwara and its elevated settlements, combating fire incidents in high-altitude regions poses significant challenges, according to an official.
The majority of fire incidents occur during winter, exacerbated by dry weather conditions and widespread use of electronic devices like heaters, oil-filled radiators, electric blankets, and gas heaters. The disregard for standard operating procedures by the public remains a primary contributor to such infernos, resulting in damage to life and property.
An official said that the Fire Department has implemented various measures to curb the frequency of fire incidents, saying awareness regarding the cautious use of electronic devices, particularly during the winter months. He urged adherence to SOPs, emphasising the importance of responsible electronic gadget usage to prevent fire incidents.
The official advised residents to stay informed by regularly reading and following advisories issued by relevant authorities. (KNS)
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