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, in the early hours of the morning, sending shockwaves through the community. Fire and Emergency Services, along with local residents, have launched a rescue operation to extinguish the flames and contain the damage.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started at around 2:30 am, with residents of neighboring houses reporting hearing loud explosions and seeing thick smoke billowing from the affected house. The fire spread quickly, engulfing the entire house and adjacent structures, causing panic among the residents.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far, thanks to the swift response of the Fire and Emergency Services department. The rescue team, comprising firefighters and emergency responders, has been working tirelessly to douse the flames and ensure the safety of those in the vicinity.
“The fire was first reported to us around 2:30 am, and our teams were immediately dispatched to the scene,” said a spokesperson for the Fire and Emergency Services department. “We have been working to extinguish the flames and contain the damage, and so far, we have been able to prevent any loss of life.”
The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and an investigation is underway to determine the root cause of the blaze. Fire officials have collected samples of debris and other evidence to help identify the source of the fire.
The affected house is a residential property, occupied by a family of five. The family, who were asleep at the time of the fire, were alerted by the sound of breaking glass and the smell of smoke. They quickly evacuated the premises, fleeing to safety just minutes before the fire engulfed the house.
“I was woken up by the sound of breaking glass,” said the owner of the house, who wished to remain anonymous. “I quickly woke up my family and we got out of the house as fast as we could. We are grateful that we were able to escape safely, but we are devastated by the loss of our home.”
The extent of the damage is not yet clear, but eyewitnesses report that the fire has caused significant damage to the affected house and adjacent structures. The fire has also damaged electrical wires and other infrastructure in the area, which may require further repairs.
The authorities have appealed to residents in the area to remain calm and to cooperate with the rescue operation. “We are doing everything possible to contain the damage and ensure the safety of those in the area,” said a spokesperson for the local authorities. “We urge residents to remain calm and to cooperate with our efforts to extinguish the flames and prevent further loss of property.”
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with residents expressing shock and dismay at the sudden outbreak of the fire. “It’s a miracle that no one was hurt,” said a local resident. “We are all grateful that the fire was brought under control quickly, but we are also worried about the extent of the damage.”
The rescue operation is ongoing, with firefighters and emergency responders working to ensure that the fire is fully extinguished and that the affected area is safe. The authorities have also set up a relief camp for the affected family, providing them with food, shelter, and other essential items.
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, residents of Banihal are left to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for residents to remain vigilant in the face of potential threats.
News Source:
https://thechenabtimes.com/2025/03/14/fire-breaks-out-in-banihal-village-rescue-operation-underway/
