SRINAGAR: A massive fire broke out in the vegetation and grasslands of the historic Hariparbat hills in Srinagar on Monday, prompting swift action from fire and emergency services alongside local police to contain the blaze.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire started in the dense vegetation covering the hill and quickly spread due to dry weather conditions. Firefighters and local police were immediately deployed to the site, and operations to extinguish the flames are ongoing.
“There is no immediate threat to residential areas or historic sites near the hill,” an official said, adding that efforts are underway to douse the flames and prevent further spread.
The exact cause of the fire has not been determined, though officials suspect the ongoing dry weather as a contributing factor.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had earlier issued a warning about a very high risk of forest fires in Jammu and Kashmir. “Very High Forest Fire Risk is likely to occur over forest areas in J&K in the next seven days. In case of emergency, dial 112,” the advisory stated, with the warning valid until 11 am on January 30.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent escalation, while urging locals to remain vigilant and report any signs of fire. (KDC)
