by Jahangir Sofi
SRINAGAR: A devastating fire at Bohri Kadal last month, which destroyed properties worth crores, including a century-old mosque, stands as the most disastrous blaze in Srinagar in 2024, so far. The incident highlights a disturbing surge in fire incidents across the city.
Since the beginning of 2024, Jammu and Kashmir’s fire and emergency department has responded to over 300 fire calls in Srinagar alone. Data from the department shared with Kashmir Life, reveals that these fires have damaged more than 115 structures across the district.
Of the 115 affected structures, 76 were residential houses and 12 were commercial buildings. Additionally, the fires have damaged 5 hotels, 15 electric transformers, 14 other structures, and 16 shops.
A senior fire and emergency department officer noted that the frequency of fire incidents this year is comparable to previous years. However, he asserted that the department has been advising residents against storing gas cylinders inside buildings. “Natural combustion takes time, but gas cylinder explosions significantly accelerate the spread of fire,” the official explained.
The rapid spread of the recent Bohri Kadal blaze was partly attributed to gas explosions, according to the official. This incident underscores the urgent need for increased fire safety awareness and preventive measures to mitigate the risk of such disasters in the future.
