Fire Breaks Out in J&K’s Banihal, Rescue Ops Underway
A devastating fire broke out in a residential house in Chamalwas Shalgadi, Banihal, Jammu and Kashmir, leaving locals in a state of panic. The fire, which erupted in the early hours of the morning, has engulfed a significant portion of the house, causing widespread damage. Rescue operations are underway, with fire and emergency services, along with local residents, working tirelessly to extinguish the flames.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started around 3:00 AM on Wednesday, with thick smoke billowing from the residential house. Locals, who were alerted by the loud crackling sounds, quickly rushed to the scene, trying to put out the flames. However, the fire had spread rapidly, engulfing a significant portion of the house, making it challenging for the residents to contain the blaze.
The fire department, along with local residents, were quickly alerted, and they rushed to the scene to assist in the rescue efforts. Firefighters from the nearby Banihal Fire Station, along with a team of emergency responders, arrived at the scene, armed with equipment and expertise to combat the fire.
“We received a distress call around 3:15 AM, and our team responded promptly,” said a fire official, who wished to remain anonymous. “The fire was spreading rapidly, and we had to act fast to prevent it from spreading to adjacent structures. Our team worked tirelessly to douse the flames, and we are making progress, but it’s an ongoing operation.”
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far, with all residents of the house and neighboring buildings safely evacuated. The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and investigators are working to determine the exact cause.
The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but initial reports suggest that the fire has destroyed a significant portion of the house, leaving the residents without a home. The residents are being provided with temporary shelter and assistance by the local administration.
“We are working closely with the fire department and local residents to ensure that the fire is brought under control and the damage is minimized,” said a senior administration official. “We are also providing assistance to the affected residents, including temporary shelter and other necessary support.”
The fire has sent shockwaves through the community, with locals expressing concern over the sudden outbreak of the fire. “It’s a miracle that no one was hurt, but the damage is extensive,” said a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “We are grateful to the fire department and local residents for their prompt response, but we are still trying to come to terms with the extent of the damage.”
The incident has sparked concerns over fire safety in the region, with many locals calling for stricter regulations and enforcement. “This fire could have been prevented if there were stricter fire safety regulations in place,” said a local resident. “We need to take proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future.”
As the rescue operations continue, authorities are working to determine the cause of the fire and ensure that the affected residents receive the necessary support. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Source: https://thechenabtimes.com/2025/03/14/fire-breaks-out-in-banihal-village-rescue-operation-underway/
