Bandipora, February 26: A massive fire broke out in the main market of Bandipora early Thursday morning, gutting around 29 shops in a three-storey commercial complex and causing heavy losses to traders.
According to officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Fire and Emergency Services, a distress call was received in the early hours reporting a major blaze in the market area.
Fire tenders from the Bandipora headquarters, along with a vehicle from Ajas station, were immediately rushed to the spot. Local Youth and Firemen immediately joined hands to douse the rising flames. Personnel from Jammu and Kashmir Police also reached the site and assisted in evacuation and firefighting operations.
Four fire tenders were pressed into service as firefighters launched intensive efforts to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining structures.
Thick plumes of smoke engulfed the market area as teams battled the blaze for several hours before finally bringing it under control.
Preliminary reports indicate that around 29 shops were completely gutted in the incident directly impacting the livelihood of at least 17 families while more than 2 dozen labourers working in these shops were also rendered jobless.
“A detailed assessment is being carried out to ascertain the total loss and determine the exact cause of the fire. The cause is under investigation,” an official of the revenue department told Kashmir Convener.
Shopkeepers appreciated the prompt response of the Fire and Emergency Services, stating that teams reached the site swiftly and immediately began operations with support from local volunteers, who helped in salvaging goods from nearby establishments.
“Fire hydrants installed some years ago by the district administration were of great help to the fire fighters as water was readily available,” locals said.
However, some locals voiced concern over the limited infrastructure at the Bandipora fire station, claiming it lacks adequate vehicles and modern equipment to efficiently handle large-scale emergencies. They stressed the need for additional fire tenders and upgraded firefighting tools to strengthen emergency response capacity in the district.
Traders estimated that losses could run into crores of rupees and urged the district administration to conduct a comprehensive damage assessment and extend financial assistance to the affected shopkeepers.
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