SRINAGAR, OCT 25: A massive fire that broke out late Saturday night at a three-storey residential-cum-commercial building housing Mir Sales Corporation in Karan Nagar, opposite Medicare Hospital in Srinagar, was brought under control at around 5:30 am on Sunday following an extensive overnight firefighting operation involving 20 fire tenders from 12 fire stations. The incident triggered a major emergency response, with Fire and Emergency Services personnel, Srinagar Police and specialised rescue teams working through the night to contain the blaze and ensure the safety of people in the vicinity.
The fire posed a significant challenge to emergency personnel due to the presence of large quantities of cotton, blankets and other highly combustible materials inside the building. The nature of the stored material complicated firefighting efforts, necessitating sustained operations to bring the flames under control and prevent the blaze from spreading further. Firefighting teams deployed specialised equipment, including Bronto skylifts, foam tenders, fire cans, Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) and Advanced Rescue Teams (ARTs), to tackle the rapidly developing emergency.
After several hours of intensive firefighting, the flames were brought under control in the early hours of Sunday. However, the operation continued beyond the initial containment of the fire, with cooling measures undertaken to eliminate residual heat and reduce the risk of reignition. The presence of combustible materials inside the premises made these precautionary measures particularly important as emergency personnel worked to secure the affected site.
The proximity of the fire to Medicare Hospital added to the urgency of the response. As a precautionary measure, patients at the nearby hospital were evacuated during the incident to minimise potential risks arising from the blaze and the emergency operations. Srinagar Police personnel assisted in the evacuation process and extended full support to the firefighting teams, helping facilitate emergency measures and maintain safety in the affected area.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Sujit Kumar subsequently lauded Srinagar Police for their prompt response, coordination and assistance to the firefighting personnel during the emergency. Appreciating the efforts of the district police, the IGP said, “Well done, Team Srinagar! District Police Srinagar has extended full support to the firefighting teams in controlling the fire at Medicity Hospital, Karan Nagar.”
The appreciation highlighted the supporting role played by police personnel during the incident, particularly in assisting with evacuation measures and facilitating the work of emergency responders. The coordinated response of the police and firefighting personnel remained crucial as teams worked to bring the situation under control and address the immediate safety concerns arising from the fire.
The incident once again highlighted the operational challenges associated with fires involving commercial premises containing large stocks of combustible goods, particularly in areas where buildings and healthcare facilities are located in close proximity. Such emergencies require rapid mobilisation, specialised firefighting equipment and coordination among multiple agencies to contain the blaze while safeguarding human life and nearby establishments.
Meanwhile, the exact cause of the fire and the extent of damage to the building and its contents had not been ascertained at the time of filing this report. Further assessment and investigation were expected to establish the circumstances that led to the incident and determine the losses incurred. Cooling operations continued at the site as a precautionary measure to ensure that the fire did not reignite and that the situation remained under control.
