Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 7: A mosque, seminary and several other structures were damaged in a fire that broke out this morning in Akalmir locality in the Khanyar area of Srinagar.
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Locals rushed to the scene shortly after the fire broke out, according to eyewitnesses, to put out the flames. However, with the limited resources at their disposal, they were unable to control the raging flames. According to them, the flames quickly spread, causing significant damage to several structures.
Locals say the fire damaged the mosque, a seminary known as Madrasa Misba-ur-Rashid, as well as a residential house and several shops because the fire could not be put out due to the area’s dense population.
“The fire spread quickly because the structures were made of wood. The fire hydrant that had been installed in the area was insufficient to put out the fire. It was ineffective”, a local explained, adding that the incident damaged the upper portion of a mosque and a residential house.
Bashir Ahmad, Deputy Director Fire and Emergency Services, said that they immediately dispatched a firefighting team from the nearest station, and “due to the severity of the fire, more men and machinery were brought in from other stations. As a result, we were able to put out the fire.”
He said that the upper portions of three buildings and the mosque were destroyed despite their efforts. However, he said, they were able to save the rest of the building.
When asked about the functioning fire hydrants, he said: “The pumps that were installed at several locations under the smart city mission are not being provided with enough water supplies, which is affecting their efficiency.”
Meanwhile, two members of the fire squad also received minor injuries during the firefighting operation.
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