Budgam, Dec 8,: A fire broke out on the top floor of Hassanabad Masjid in the Beerwah area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Monday morning, triggering panic among locals before swift action by Fire and Emergency Services and volunteers brought the situation under control.
Officials said flames and thick smoke were first noticed emanating from a section of the mosque’s top floor, following which locals immediately alerted the Fire and Emergency Services in Beerwah. Fire tenders rushed to the spot without delay and launched firefighting operations.
Local youth also played an active voluntary role by assisting the fire personnel, helping evacuate the area, managing the crowd, and ensuring unhindered movement for fire vehicles.
Officials confirmed that no injuries or loss of life were reported in the incident. A preliminary assessment indicated damage to a portion of the mosque. The exact cause of the fire has not been officially ascertained so far.
Police said they have taken cognizance of the incident, while locals expressed gratitude to the Fire and Emergency Services Beerwah and the youth volunteers for their timely and effective response, which averted major damage to the sacred site. [KNT]
