Kupwara, December 27 (KNS): Frontier district of Kupwara in North Kashmir has witnessed 278 fire incidents, resulting in death of a person this year so far and loss of property worth around Rs 7 Crore.
The official details accessed by the News agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) alo revealed that five persons were also injured four fighters in year 2023.
Despite the efforts of the Fire and Emergency Services J&K, comprising 166 personnel and 19 fire stations, operational difficulties persist due to faulty roads and hilly terrain in certain areas.
Given the difficult topography of Kupwara, Fire and Emergency Department faces lot of challenges to mobilize men and machinery to combat fires, an official said.
The majority of fire incidents occur during winter, exacerbated by dry weather conditions and widespread use of electronic devices like heaters, oil-filled radiators, electric blankets, and gas heaters, he added, " The disregard for standard operating procedures by the public remains a primary contributor to such infernos, resulting in damage to life and property."
The official also said that the Fire Department has implemented various measures to curb the frequency of fire incidents, saying awareness regarding the cautious use of electronic devices, particularly during the winter months.
He urged adherence to SOPs, emphasizing the importance of responsible electronic gadget usage to prevent fire incidents.
The official advised residents to stay informed by regularly reading and following advisories issued by relevant authorities to prevent accidental fires. (KNS)