Major fire in Kashmir, 12 houses gutted, 6 firemen wounded

Srinagar, Oct 15 (UNI) A major fire broke out in a locality near the historic Jamia mosque here this evening, destroying property worth crores of rupees.

Divisional Fire Services Officer, Kashmir, Sajjad Ahmed Khan told UNI that the blaze erupted from a house at the congested Chandapora locality in Nowhatta-Gojwara area of the old city at 1625 hrs.

He said the fire soon spread, devastating at least a dozen residential houses in the locality.

Mr Khan said six firemen and some residents were wounded in the firefighting operation. More than 250 personnel and 40 fire tenders were pressed into service to control the blaze, he added.

''The blaze was completely brought under control at 1915 hrs after three hours,'' said Mr Khan who personally led the firefighting operation, closely monitored by the Fire Services Director General G A Bhat and Joint Director R K Hak.

The cause of fire was being ascertained, he added.

''Due to the timely action by the fire services personnel the raging fire was prevented to spread further. Otherwise, the damage could have been much more,'' Mr Khan said.

Earlier on October 9, a major fire had destroyed at least 20 residential houses at Nalbandpora in Safa Kadal area of old city.

UNI