Massive fire breaks out in Barzulla Srinagar, Five firefighters injured
Srinagar, KNT: A massive fire broke out on Tuesday in the Bulbul Bagh area of Barzulla in Srinagar, triggering panic in the densely populated locality and prompting a large scale response from the Fire and Emergency Services Department.
Officials said the blaze erupted in a junk yard where scrapped vehicles and other discarded material belonging to non locals were stored. The fire rapidly spread due to the presence of highly inflammable material, engulfing large quantities of scrap and sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the air. Some nearby structures were also caught in the fire.
According to information received from Assistant Director Aqib Hussain and Mobilizing Officer Aijaz Ahmad, two factories, including foam and carpet units, were involved in the incident. Officials said huge quantities of paint, thinner and plastic material stored at the site further intensified the fire, making containment extremely difficult.
During firefighting operations, at least five firemen sustained injuries while battling the flames under hazardous conditions. They were provided immediate medical assistance, officials said.
Soon after the incident was reported, multiple fire tenders were rushed to the spot from different parts of Srinagar. Firefighting operations were taken up on a war footing to prevent the blaze from spreading to adjoining residential areas. Police and other emergency teams were also deployed to manage the situation and regulate movement in the area.
No loss of life was reported till the filing of this report, though officials said assessment of property damage was still underway. The exact cause of the fire was not immediately known and will be ascertained after the blaze is fully controlled and a detailed inquiry is conducted.
Authorities said efforts were continuing to bring the fire under control amid challenging conditions posed by the nature of material involved. [KNT]
