SRINAGAR, Dec 3: A massive fire broke out this afternoon in the Khayam area of Srinagar, gutting at least five residential houses and leaving several families homeless. The blaze erupted around 1:46 pm and quickly spread through the densely populated neighbourhood before fire services could bring it under control.
Eyewitnesses said the fire started from one of the houses and within minutes engulfed adjoining structures. “We were having lunch in the kitchen when the fire erupted from the nearby house, and within a few minutes four to five houses were on fire,” a resident recounted.
Another affected homeowner described the devastation: “Our shelter has been taken away. We are very poor, and we have nothing left. All our belongings were destroyed. All three floors were completely gutted.”
The Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) rushed multiple tenders to the site immediately after receiving the distress call. Vehicles were dispatched from the Fire Headquarters at Babdem, along with units from Gowkadal and Rainawari stations, at 1:47 pm. Firefighters managed to prevent the flames from spreading further, but five houses were destroyed.
Officials said the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Cooling operations are underway, and further details will be shared once the inquiry concludes. Authorities have assured relief measures for the affected families.
