Srinagar, 15 April (H.S.): At least eight residential houses were damaged in a midnight fire that broke out in the Chandpora locality of old city’s Nowhatta here.

According to officials from the Fire and Emergency Services and local residents, the blaze erupted around 1:00 am during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday in a single house and quickly spread to adjacent structures due to the closely packed structures in the area.

Fire tenders, assisted by police and locals, rushed to the spot and battled the flames for nearly an hour before bringing the situation under control.

“The fire was contained after strenuous efforts, preventing further spread,” officials said.

Eyewitnesses described the blaze as intense, with flames rapidly engulfing multiple houses.

While acknowledging the timely response of the fire services, they said most household belongings were destroyed in the incident.

Locals said eight houses suffered damage and urged the administration to provide immediate relief to the affected families, many of whom belong to economically weaker sections.

No loss of life or injuries were reported during the incident, while the officials stated that the cause of fire is yet to be ascertained.E-Paper Subscription

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar