MASROOR AHMAD
SRINAGAR: More than 70 structures, including residential houses, mosques and other commercial structures have been reduced into ashes in the past 48 hours due to continuous dry weather in the Chennab region and Kashmir Valley.
These fire incidents took place in Warwan Kishtwar and Gurez areas ,where dozens of families lost their roof and were living in the open air on cold nights.
Keeping these factors and facts in-view, the Fire and Emergency Department in the Valley has urged caution for the locals and pressed for taking all necessary and possible precautions to prevent fires in residential homes and other buildings.The fire incidents tend to go up during these months as use of coal, kerosene, wood, and LPG becomes extensive to counter the harsh temperatures.
Given the materials used for construction in Kashmir homes, including wood, the officials from the Fire and Emergency Department have asked people to follow all the safety measures.
According to the officials of the Fire and Emergency services,It’s up to individuals to ensure they follow the safety measures.
“As the dry season begins, it becomes crucial to follow the do’s and don’ts to prevent fire incidents. Structures in this region are particularly vulnerable because of the widespread use of wood in construction, which is highly susceptible to catching fire.”Officials further explained that fire protection measures are often overlooked during the design and construction phases in Kashmir.
“We recommend that people avoid using flammable materials like wood, or at least integrate fire-safety designs into their homes. The lack of such measures often results in widespread damage when fires occur. Having basic fire extinguishers and other safety equipment can make a significant difference in controlling small fires before they become unmanageable,” officials said.
He also highlighted the common causes of fire during these months, including LPG leaks and electrical short circuits, both of which are prevalent due to the increased use of heating devices as winter approaches.
As people rely more on heating gadgets during winter, they need to ensure proper usage and maintenance. Faulty gadgets and overloaded circuits are major contributors to fire incidents.The department’s advisory also included a list of do’s and don’ts, stressing simple but effective preventive measures.
The dry weather and low moisture content in forests during these months also elevate the risk of forest fires, which can quickly spread and cause extensive damage to both property and life. Residents living in forest-adjacent areas were urged to exercise particular caution.
“Forest fires are a real threat in these months due to the low moisture content. One small spark can quickly lead to large-scale destruction, so it is vital to take all necessary precautions,” he emphasized.
The department has also assured the public that they are on high alert and ready to respond to any emergencies. Department of fire and emergency has advised the public to use electrical appliances with caution.
And stressed the importance of not leaving these appliances unattended and urged residents to purchase high-quality electrical items.
Winters in Kashmir are a delight for outsiders, offering snow-covered mountains and breathtaking hill stations. However, for the local Kashmiri population, these months bring a host of problems-from skyrocketing vegetable prices and electricity shortages to a rise in fire incidents, which are often deadly and destructive.