Fire Breaks Out in J&K’s Banihal, Rescue Ops Underway
A massive fire broke out in a residential house in Chamalwas Shalgadi, Banihal, Jammu and Kashmir, early this morning, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The fire and emergency services, along with local residents, have been working tirelessly to extinguish the flames and bring the situation under control.
According to reports, the fire started around 4:00 am in the morning, and by the time the fire department arrived at the scene, the flames had already spread to several nearby houses. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but officials have ruled out any foul play or intentional act.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far, and all residents in the affected area have been evacuated to a safer location. The fire department, along with local volunteers, is working to put out the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to other nearby houses.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with smoke billowing into the air and people rushing to safety. “It was like a nightmare,” said Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Chamalwas Shalgadi. “I woke up to the sound of screams and saw the house next door engulfed in flames. We all rushed out of our houses and watched in horror as the fire spread.”
The fire department, led by Fire Officer Kuldip Singh, has been working around the clock to contain the blaze. “Our team has been working diligently to put out the fire and prevent it from spreading to other nearby houses,” said Officer Singh. “We are grateful that no casualties have been reported, but the damage to the houses is significant.”
Local residents have also been playing a crucial role in the rescue operation, helping to evacuate people from the affected area and provide assistance to those in need. “We are doing everything we can to help the fire department and make sure everyone is safe,” said Suman Lata, a local resident. “It’s a difficult situation, but we are all working together to make sure everyone is okay.”
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has also been alerted, and officials are working to assess the extent of the damage and provide support to those affected. “The administration is working closely with the fire department and local residents to bring the situation under control,” said a government spokesperson. “We are grateful that no casualties have been reported, and our priority now is to provide assistance to those affected and ensure that the fire is fully extinguished.”
As the rescue operation continues, authorities are urging residents to remain calm and follow all instructions from the fire department and local authorities. “We understand that this is a difficult situation, but we are doing everything we can to make sure everyone is safe,” said Officer Singh.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and officials are working to determine the exact cause of the blaze. “We are investigating all possibilities, including electrical faults and cooking accidents,” said a fire department official. “We will leave no stone unturned to determine the cause of the fire and take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.”
The incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and preparedness in fire safety measures, particularly in residential areas. “Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we urge all residents to take necessary precautions to prevent such incidents,” said a government spokesperson.
As the situation continues to unfold, we will provide updates and information as it becomes available. In the meantime, our thoughts are with the residents of Chamalwas Shalgadi and the firefighters working to bring the blaze under control.
Source: https://thechenabtimes.com/2025/03/14/fire-breaks-out-in-banihal-village-rescue-operation-underway/
