Frequent Fire Incidents Leave Trail of Destruction Across Kashmir in 2025, Dozens of Major Blazes Reported This Year
Srinagar, Oct 21, KNT: Kashmir Valley has witnessed a disturbing rise in fire incidents this year, leaving behind a trail of destruction across residential, commercial and even forested areas. Officials say the frequency and intensity of fires in 2025 have once again exposed deep-rooted vulnerabilities linked to outdated infrastructure, narrow access lanes and unsafe heating practices during the harsh winter months.
In the first month of this year alone, the region reported 41 fire incidents, nine of them in Srinagar city. Authorities said that though precise loss figures for 2025 are still being compiled, the damage caused runs into several crores of rupees. Most incidents have occurred in densely populated areas where wooden structures dominate, allowing flames to spread rapidly.
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Among the major incidents this year was a massive blaze in Baramulla’s Jalal Sahib area in March that gutted over 21 houses and rendered 33 families homeless. A similar fire in Anantnag’s Kadipora area later destroyed more than 40 homes within hours. Srinagar city this year witnessed dozens of fire incidents and in most cases causes were attributed to the short circuit.
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Officials from the Fire and Emergency Services Department said that while their teams respond promptly, challenges such as narrow lanes, congested urban layouts and parked vehicles often delay firefighting operations. “Our men work tirelessly, but accessibility remains a serious problem in old Srinagar and other towns where buildings are closely packed,” an official said.
The Fire Department attributes the rising incidents to unsafe electric wiring, low-quality heating appliances and lack of fire safety awareness. “Most houses in the Valley are made of wood, and once a fire starts, it spreads uncontrollably unless checked immediately,” said an officer.
Civil society groups have called for an urgent fire-vulnerability audit of all urban areas and reinforcement of fire stations with better equipment. They have also urged the government to promote the use of fire-resistant materials in reconstruction projects.
Officials acknowledged that losses in property and livelihoods have been substantial. Though the exact annual figure for 2025 is yet to be finalized, previous data show that Jammu and Kashmir recorded thousands of fire incidents for since 2022, resulting in major economic losses.
Authorities said preventive awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of safety norms are being planned to reduce future incidents. [KNT]
