Mohammad Hanief
m.hanief@gmail.com
A sudden and sharp increase in fire incidents across the Kashmir Valley has posed a fresh challenge for emergency services and residents during one of the coldest spells of the season. Over the past week alone, dozens of fire outbreaks have been reported from urban localities to rural settlements, exposing deep-rooted vulnerabilities in infrastructure, public safety awareness, and disaster preparedness. These fires, occurring across districts in quick succession, have intensified concerns about fire hazards during the winter months, when heating devices are in heavy use and electrical systems are under strain.
In the most recent 24-hour period, authorities responded to at least eleven separate fire incidents across the Kashmir Division, with residential properties and small commercial units among those affected. This marks one of the busiest days for fire services this winter, as calls for emergencies poured in from multiple locations within the Valley. A multi-storey residential house in the Umar Colony area of Lal Bazar, Srinagar, was completely gutted by flames late in December. The three-storey structure was fully involved by the time emergency teams could control the blaze, though neighbouring buildings were successfully shielded from the spread of fire. This incident underscores the challenges posed by densely populated neighbourhoods with narrow access routes and limited water availability for firefighting.
The surge in incidents is not isolated. A review of fire service reports over the past four days reveals that at least twenty-five separate blazes have been recorded across the Valley, reflecting a pattern of frequent emergencies that taxing response capabilities. Earlier reports documented as many as eight fire outbreaks in a single 24-hour window, and on other occasions seven and nine fires were reported at different sites within a day.
These figures point to a sustained period of heightened fire activity, with residential localities in urban centres such as Srinagar bearing a significant share of the burden. In early December, a large fire in the Khanyar area of Srinagar’s Nowpora locality caused extensive damage to at least five adjacent residential houses. While there were no immediate reports of casualties, the losses to property and household belongings were extensive, compounding the distress caused by the harsh winter season.
Rural areas have also seen their share of potentially devastating fire outbreaks. In the Handwara area of north Kashmir, a fire erupted in a cowshed in the densely populated Mohalla of Chottipura. The blaze, reportedly triggered by an electrical short circuit near an electric pole, quickly engulfed the structure and threatened adjoining houses. In this instance, timely intervention by local Indian Army units prevented a far larger tragedy. Fire extinguishers and water resources brought by security personnel helped contain the flames, averting more widespread destruction.
The reasons behind the sudden spike in fire incidents are multifaceted. The ongoing winter weather has heightened the use of electrical heating devices such as electric blankets, heaters, and stoves, pushing home electrical systems to their limits. Investigations into several recent fire calls have indicated that substandard electric blankets — often purchased from local markets without safety certifications — are a significant trigger for these incidents. Faulty internal wiring, lack of protective cut-off mechanisms, and continuous overnight use have turned these seemingly benign devices into potential sources of ignition when combined with aged household wiring.
Old and unattended electrical infrastructure has long been a systemic issue in many residential areas of Kashmir. In older parts of cities, decades-old wiring systems are unable to cope with the increased electrical load during winter, leading to short circuits and electrical breakdowns that can start fires. The problem is exacerbated in congested neighbourhoods where buildings are tightly packed, and emergency access is limited. The combination of increased demand on electricity and outdated wiring creates a hazardous environment for residents, particularly when compounded by inadequate public awareness about electrical safety practices.
Fire incidents have also affected non-residential structures. Reports indicate that even institutional facilities have not been immune to the trend. In one notable incident late last week, a fire broke out at a set of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) barracks and associated store rooms near a banquet hall in Srinagar. The late-night blaze caused extensive damage to property, including store facilities.
While the surge in fire emergencies has kept fire and emergency services on high alert, response efforts continue to be challenged by logistical limitations. In older urban localities, fire tenders frequently encounter difficulty accessing narrow alleyways, forcing firefighters to rely on manual equipment and local assistance to control flames. Water scarcity in certain areas further complicates firefighting operations, often slowing down efforts to bring blazes under control.
The human and economic costs of these incidents are significant. Families affected by house fires are often left without shelter or basic necessities in the face of severe winter cold. Loss of household goods, winter stores, and priceless personal belongings adds to the emotional toll. For small businesses and shop owners, even a single fire can wipe out years’ worth of investment, with limited insurance coverage or financial safety nets in place to cushion the blow.
Beyond the immediate material losses, the psychological impact is profound. The trauma of witnessing one’s home or workplace consumed by flames leaves a lasting imprint, particularly on children and older residents. The spectre of fire outbreaks becomes a persistent source of anxiety for families already grappling with the rigours of winter.
In response to the escalating situation, authorities have urged greater public adherence to basic fire safety measures. Fire and emergency officials continue to call for regular inspection and maintenance of electrical systems, cautious use of heating devices, and timely reporting of fire incidents. However, experts point out that preventive efforts must extend beyond advisories to include more structured interventions such as community training programs, routine electrical safety audits, and stricter regulation of heating device standards.
There is a clear need for stronger enforcement of building codes and electrical safety norms, particularly in densely populated neighbourhoods. Urban planning that includes designated emergency access routes, adequate water hydrant installations, and strategically positioned fire stations could mitigate risks and improve response times in future emergencies.
Community engagement has emerged as a vital component in managing fire emergencies. In several instances, neighbours and local volunteers played a crucial role in containing flames and guiding emergency crews to affected sites. While this reflects resilience and collective spirit, it also underscores gaps in formal emergency arrangements that demand attention from policymakers and planners alike.
As winter deepens and the use of heating appliances shows no sign of diminishing, the risk of further fire incidents looms large. Strengthening firefighting infrastructure, expanding public education on fire prevention, and integrating fire safety into urban development frameworks will be crucial to breaking the seasonal cycle of disasters. With the Valley poised between frigid nights and fragile electrical systems, the flames that have already scarred homes and livelihoods this season serve as a stark reminder of the urgency for comprehensive and sustained fire safety initiatives.
In the closing days of 2025, Kashmir’s fire emergency landscape reflects not just a seasonally heightened risk but deeper structural challenges. Addressing these effectively will require a concerted effort from government agencies, emergency services, and citizens alike. Without such shared commitment, the pattern of winter fire incidents — so vividly etched into the Valley’s recent experience — risks becoming a recurring and deeply entrenched hazard for years to come.
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