(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Historic Bazar Masjid, around fifteen to twenty residential houses and around a dozen shops were completely destroyed in a devastating blaze at the congested Bohri Kadal area of the old city here this afternoon.
The fire, according to locals, broke out at Darul-Uloom situated alongside Bazar Masjid Bohri Kadal around 2 pm that engulfed other nearby structures within no time, resulting in total chaos and confusion in the vicinity.
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A private vehicle (Santro) parked alongside the main road was also damaged as a result of the strong heat from the flames coming from the mosque, they added.
Several fire tenders and dozens fire fighters from nearby stations were dispatched to the scene to douse-off the flames, but the residents alleged that the fire had done significant damage by then.
The devastating blaze damaged a mosque (Jamia Masjid Ahli-Hadees), a few residential structures and shops, according to Aqib Hussain Mir, Deputy Director Fire and Emergency Services.
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“Details on the losses caused by the fire can be provided as soon as it is extinguished. I am in touch with the officials who are making every effort to douse off the flames,” Deputy Director F&ES said.
When asked as to what could be the potential reason for such a massive fire, he said that an investigation was underway and that any findings would be communicated accordingly.
About fifteen to twenty residential dwellings, a mosque, and about a dozen shops were completely destroyed by fire, according to Divisional Fire Officer (DFO) for City Mohammad Noor Alam.
“The firefighting effort is still ongoing, but we have been able to put it out in part. The incident damaged at least 15–20 houses, a mosque, and around a dozen shops. Since operation is still on, we cannot provide accurate details at this stage.”Alam told Kashmir Observer.
Locals, however, accused the Fire and Emergency Service of causing an excessive delay in getting to the scene, claiming the damage of this level would not have occurred had the team been dispatched well on time.
“Everyone knows that downtown is a crowded area where a spark may quickly trigger a fire. As soon as we noticed flames from the mosque, we alerted the fire and emergency services. But before the fire fighters arrived, a great deal of damage had been done,” Muneer Ahmad, a local shopkeeper said.
The fire, he claimed, had a very high intensity, that it began at 2:00 pm and could not be put out until late in the evening.
Nevertheless, the dedicated efforts of the Srinagar police, the residents living nearby, and the fire and emergency services department allowed the fire to be partially contained till the reports last came in.
DC Monitors Rescue Operation, Fire Extinguishing Response
As soon the news regarding fire incident at Bohri Kadal area of Shahr-e-Khaas of the District was reported, the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat today rushed to the site and personally monitored the rescue operation and fire extinguishing response by firefighters to mitigate the damage.
SSP Srinagar, Aashish Mishra and other senior officers of District Administration accompanied the DC at the spot.
On the occasion, the DC expressed solidarity and sympathy with the fire affected families and assured to provide immediate assistance to them. He directed staff to be available and provide all necessary help to the fire affected families.
The DC said that fire tenders were immediately pushed into action soon after the fire erupted in a building at Bohri Kadal to control the fire from spreading to other structures and protect human lives.
He instructed the concerned to assess the damage caused to the structures and provide immediate assistance to the victims of the fire incident.
While expressing shock over the damage, he assured that the District Administration will provide all the help to the affected families.
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