SRINAGAR: At least 149 fire incidents occurred in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district last year, resulting in damages of almost Rs 3 crore.
The alarming figures underscore the requirement for improved fire safety protocols within the area. Besides, fire devoured the lives of 24 people, the official data reveals.
The affected properties included residential houses, a mosque, a Dar-ul-Awam, commercial centers, government buildings, tin sheds, cowsheds, poplar trees, electricity transformers, vehicles, poultry farms, a dairy farm, and gas cylinders. The estimated cost of the damaged assets surpasses 3 crores, leaving a trail of devastation.
Furthermore, it has been revealed that 80 percent of fire accidents were caused by electric short circuits.
Meanwhile, amid the losses, the district is equipped with only five fire stations across 139 revenue areas, raising concerns among the local population.
An official from the Fire Service Department acknowledged the severity of the situation and revealed that the department witnessed a 25% reduction in fire incidents compared to the previous year.
He attributed the decline to proactive measures, including public awareness campaigns and enhanced fire protection procedures implemented by the department. (KNO)
