A major fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday at Shalla Kadal in the Habba Kadal area of Srinagar, gutting at least five residential houses, officials said.
According to officials, a distress call was received at around 3:32 AM at the State Fire Control Room, following which fire tenders from multiple stations were rushed to the spot.
Upon arrival, several closely built residential houses were found engulfed in flames. Firefighting operations were launched immediately; however, the blaze intensified due to gas cylinder explosions, leading to further spread.
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After strenuous efforts, the fire was brought under control, preventing further damage.
Officials said five residential houses were damaged in the incident, belonging to Shameem Ahmad Bukhari, Khurshid Ahmad Darzi, Imran Ahmad Hazari, Mohd Younis Hazari, all residents of Shalla Kadal, and Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Nawa Bazar who was a tenant.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of ADGP Fire & Emergency Services Alok Kumar (IPS), with senior officials present on the ground.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained and is under investigation.
