Narrow lanes, poor access hamper firefighting in old city Srinagar areas
Srinagar, KNT: Recurring fire incidents in congested localities of Srinagar have emerged as a major safety concern, with narrow lanes, dense constructions, and poor access routes posing serious challenges to firefighting operations.
A senior official from the Fire Department told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that most fire incidents in densely populated areas, particularly in the downtown parts of the city, are triggered by short circuits, faulty wiring, use of unsafe heating devices and improper handling of electrical appliances during winter months. The increased load on electrical systems amid cold conditions further heightens the risk.
He said that reaching the spot in congested areas often becomes difficult due to extremely narrow lanes, encroachments and illegally parked vehicles. In several localities, fire tenders are forced to stop at a distance, requiring firefighters to carry equipment manually through tight passages, resulting in delays.
“The layout of old city areas makes firefighting extremely challenging. Even a few minutes of delay can allow flames to spread rapidly to adjacent structures,” the official said.
Closely packed houses, many of them built with wood and old materials, allow fire to spread quickly from one structure to another. In some cases, the absence of proper ventilation and fire safety measures worsens the situation.
The official also pointed to poor awareness about fire safety and lack of regular inspections of electrical installations as contributing factors. He added that many households continue to use substandard wiring and unsafe heating arrangements due to space and economic constraints.
Fire officials urged people to ensure proper electrical maintenance, avoid overloading circuits and keep basic fire safety equipment at home. They also stressed the need for civic authorities to keep lanes free of encroachments and ensure access routes for emergency vehicles. [KNT]
