Bandipora : In a devastating incident in Dawar, Gurez, a border area of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, a major fire on Sunday ravaged the local market, destroying at least seven shops and several residential houses.
Nazir Ahmad Gurezi, senior National Conference leader and the MLA-elected for Gurez, said on Tuesday that allegations have surfaced that the firefighters dispatched to control the blaze arrived without water, exacerbating the damage.
“I have received allegations that the firefighters who responded to the incident came without water,” Gurezi told news agency KINS. “I don’t know the truth yet, but I have spoken to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) to initiate an inquiry into the matter. If there is any negligence or lapse, appropriate action will be taken.”
The fire, which started in one of the shops in the Dawar market, quickly spread to adjacent buildings.
Initial reports had suggested that nearly six to seven shops were completely gutted, along with damage to two or three residential houses.
Gurezi emphasized that immediate relief measures were taken for the victims. “The district administration is currently assessing the losses, and relief will be provided accordingly. We are ensuring that those affected by this unfortunate incident are given the help they need as soon as possible.”
Arif Ahmad, In-charge Deputy Director of Bandipora, who also oversees Baramulla and Kupwara, however has refuted the allegations, calling them baseless.
“It is impossible for firefighters to respond to an operation without water. Such claims are nonsense,” Arif told news agency KINS.
He emphasized that the department is always prepared for such situations, explaining that while fire trucks carry a limited supply of water, once depleted, they continue operations by sourcing water from nearby areas.
Ahmad also alleged that angry residents damaged important equipment belonging to the fire department.
He further clarified that the delay in responding was due to receiving late information about the fire.
“Our fire station was within walking distance, but we were not informed in time. Had we received timely information, the fire would not have spread so extensively.”
