Massive fire in Terigam, Kishtwar causes extensive damage to 1000 kanal government land, plants & trees
STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 29 (STC): A massive fire broke out in a hilly area in Kishtwar of Chenab region, affecting 1000 kanals of government land and causing extensive damage to trees and plants.
According to the reports, the massive fire broke out suddenly on a hill slope in the Terigam, Kishtwar, which engulfed a vast area within a short time. The fire was brought under control on Tuesday morning after an almost 11-hour long operation as a result of the combined efforts of Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Civil Administration, SDRF and local volunteers.
According to officials, no casualties were reported in the incident, but the fire caused extensive damage to trees, plants and natural vegetation. According to the Fire and Emergency Service, the fire broke out at around 6:54 pm on Monday evening, which started spreading rapidly towards the hill due to dry grass and other flammable vegetation. The fire quickly engulfed a large area, as a result of which the nearby villages of Palan and Padal were also threatened.
Farooq Ahmed Mir, in-charge of Fire Station Headquarters, Kishtwar, said that as soon as the information about the fire was received, the Fire and Emergency Services teams immediately reached the spot and large-scale action was taken to prevent the fire from spreading further. He said that initially, fire tenders were deployed at various sensitive locations to protect nearby communities from the fire. He said that the firefighting operation was carried out in extremely difficult conditions, as the fire had spread about two kilometers beyond the last motorable road into the mountainous area, which was not accessible by vehicles. In such a situation, the firefighting personnel continued the operation on foot with the help of special fire extinguishers and fire beaters.
He said, “The flames spread rapidly due to dry grass, which made controlling the fire a big challenge. However, the personnel of the Fire and Emergency Services, Civil Administration, Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local volunteers worked continuously throughout the night to prevent the fire from spreading further. Finally, the fire was brought under control at around 6 am on Tuesday.”
According to the authorities, about 1000 kanals, i.e. about 125 acres of government land, have been affected as a result of this fire. The intensity of the fire caused extensive damage to the plants and natural vegetation in the area, while dry grass played a significant role in fanning the flames.
The exact cause of the fire is not yet known, however, it is initially suspected that it was started by an accidental cause, possibly a firecracker or some other source.
The police have started investigating all aspects of the incident to determine the exact cause of the fire.
(Straight Talk Communications)
