Massive Fire Destroys Homes in IIOJK, Residents Blame Delayed Response

A fast-spreading blaze engulfed four residential houses in Srinagar’s densely populated Bazar area, sparking anger among locals over the fire department’s delayed response.

A devastating fire broke out in the Bazar locality of Srinagar district in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), completely gutting four residential houses and causing panic among residents in the congested neighborhood.

According to officials, the blaze started in one of the homes and rapidly spread to adjoining structures, fueled by the closely built houses and narrow lanes that are characteristic of the area. The fire engulfed four three-storey residential buildings, resulting in massive property damage.

“Four houses have been fully damaged in the fire. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries have been reported so far,” an official stated while confirming the extent of the damage.

Firefighting teams were on-site attempting to douse the flames when the last reports came in, but the delay in the initial response has drawn sharp criticism from local residents.

Eyewitnesses and affected families have expressed frustration with the fire department, alleging that multiple calls for help were met with delays, which allowed the fire to spread uncontrollably in the crucial early moments.

“We kept calling the fire control room, but there was no immediate action. By the time they arrived, the fire had already spread to three more houses,” said one distressed local resident. “Had they responded promptly, at least some of the homes could have been saved.”

Residents also criticized the lack of preparedness and the shortage of accessible fire infrastructure in densely populated areas like Bazar. “This isn’t the first time this has happened. There’s a pattern of late arrivals and under-equipped fire services during emergencies,” said another local.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire, though initial reports suggest it may have started due to an electrical short circuit. A formal investigation has been launched, and damage assessment is ongoing.

The incident has once again raised serious questions about the emergency response systems in IIOJK, particularly in Srinagar’s old city zones, which are prone to such disasters due to tight building clusters, aging infrastructure, and limited access for fire vehicles.

Local leaders and civil society organizations have urged the administration to improve fire safety measures, including better public awareness, timely maintenance of equipment, and quicker mobilization of response teams to prevent future tragedies.

For now, affected families are left picking up the pieces, with appeals being made for immediate relief and rehabilitation support for those who lost their homes and belongings in the fire.