Srinagar, Dec 5 (UNI) A massive fire broke out in the main market area of Village Fatehgarh in north Kashmir district of Baramulla causing damage to public property, here on Sunday
Defence spokesman Col Emron Musavi said, a massive fire broke out in the main market area of Village Fatehgarh in the night of December 4-5 around 2110 hours.
He said the fire soon engulfed a large densely populated area consisting of wooden shops and residential homes. Trees in the vicinity also caught fire which extended the conflagration zone in the market.
Initially local volunteers from the village tried to control the blaze but failed to contain it followed by which help was sought from the Indian Army.
Responding to the call for help, two teams of the army including one Quick Reaction Team swiftly rushed to the site with fire fighting equipment.
Army troops without caring for their own safety, quickly formed a human chain from the water point to the incident site. This way the fire was contained and not allowed to spread to the adjacent shops, houses and trees.
Meanwhile local police, fire fighting teams from the fire service department and assistance from other security forces with water bowsers and other fire fighting equipment also moved in the place of the incident to help put out the fire.
Army troops paved the way for the local fire brigade and continued extinguishing the fire alongside the firefighters. After a strenuous firefight, the blaze was finally brought under control at 01:15 AM.
Village Panchayat members witnessing the incident lauded the selfless efforts, professionalism and courage displayed by Army personnel for the timely assistance provided in extinguishing the fire thereby minimising losses.
Senior citizens of the village present also extended their thanks for the spirit of unity displayed by men in uniform.
UNI QAB ACL1146