A major fire incident broke out during the intervening night at Kralyar area of Rainawari near VB College, causing extensive damage to three residential-cum-commercial structures, officials said on Sunday.
They said the affected structures included two residential-cum-commercial buildings annexed to each other in an L-shaped pattern, one single-storey shop and a scooty bearing registration number JK01BB 8501.
According to F&ES officials, a fire call was received at the State Fire Control Room, Batamaloo, following which Fire Station Rainawari immediately rushed to the spot.
Considering the highly congested nature of the locality, additional reinforcements were mobilised from Fire Stations Babdemb, Headquarters, Gowkadal, Syed Hameed Pora, Maharaj Gunj, Nowshahra and Hazratbal.
On arrival, firefighters found the structures engulfed in flames and immediately launched an intensive firefighting operation. After several hours of sustained efforts, the blaze was brought under control, preventing it from spreading to adjoining structures.
Fire personnel displayed remarkable bravery and professionalism while operating under challenging conditions, officials added.
Damage details:
• First Residential-cum-Commercial Building (Three-storey): Roofing and first and second floors were severely damaged. A steel trunk shop and an electric shop operating in the building suffered heavy losses.
• Second Residential-cum-Commercial Building (Three-storey): Roofing and second floor were severely damaged, while lower floors sustained indirect damage due to water used during firefighting. A grocery (kiryana) shop and vegetable shops suffered water-related losses.
• Third Structure (Single-storey): A single-storey structure housing a bread-making shop was severely damaged in the fire.
The operation was carried out under the overall supervision of ADGP Alok Kumar, with on-ground supervision by Deputy Director F&ES Command Srinagar Dr. Mir Aqib Hussain and Mobilising Officer Aijaz Ahmad Shah.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained and is under investigation.
