Jammu, Nov 9: As many as 64 fire incidents were reported across the Jammu region during Diwali celebrations, with Jammu district alone accounting for 30 cases, officials said.
The historic Warehouse Nehru Market was among the worst-hit areas, where a massive blaze damaged several commercial establishments, causing substantial losses to traders.
Apart from the Warehouse Market, fire incidents were also reported from Pahari Mohalla, Shalimar and Gangyal, keeping Fire and Emergency Services teams occupied throughout the night.
Firefighters worked through the night to contain the blazes and prevent them from spreading to adjoining structures, particularly in densely populated commercial areas.
The major fire at Warehouse Nehru Market triggered concern among traders, with the Warehouse Association alleging that the firefighting response was delayed and that the initial response was inadequate to contain the blaze.
The allegations, however, were disputed by officials, who maintained that firefighting teams had been dispatched promptly after receiving information about the incidents. They said additional fire tenders were also mobilised from other stations to strengthen the response.
The contrasting accounts have brought the preparedness and emergency response of the Fire and Emergency Services under scrutiny, particularly in view of the concentration of commercial establishments and combustible goods in Jammu’s busy markets.
The extent of damage caused by the individual incidents and the overall financial losses suffered by traders were yet to be fully assessed.
[KNT]
