90 houses, 12 vehicles, 2 schools, 23 shopping complexes and 75 cow sheds gutted, with 47 injuries
Srinagar December 30 (KNS): Kupwara the frontier district of North Kashmir, witnessed a total of 379 fire-related incidents during the year 2025, resulting in property damage valued at over ?102.81 crore. However, timely and effective intervention by the Fire and Emergency Services department helped save property worth approximately ?551.61 crore, official data reveals.
According to a month-wise statistical report accessed by Kashmir News Service (KNS) , the incidents spanned across residential houses, commercial establishments, forest areas, vehicles, and public institutions. Of the total incidents recorded during the year, 90 residential houses and buildings were affected, while 23 shops and shopping complexes suffered damage. As many as 22 cow sheds and 75 sheds or temporary structures caught fire, in addition to damage to 69 firewood sheds and 59 hay stacks.
The data further indicates that 12 LPG-related incidents were reported during the year, along with 30 vehicle fire cases. A significant number of forest fires were also recorded, with 317 incidents reported, particularly during the dry months, posing serious challenges to firefighting efforts.
In addition to these, smaller-scale incidents involving schools, hospitals, ICDS centres, electric transformers, motorcycles, air-conditioning machines, generators, mosques, kitchens, and other structures were also reported across the district.
Given Kupwara’s difficult terrain and remote habitations, the Fire and Emergency Services department faced considerable challenges in mobilizing manpower and machinery to combat fires.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelDespite these constraints, the department responded to 18 rescue calls during the year, ensuring the safety of both people and animals. While no major human casualties were reported, four animals lost their lives and three others sustained injuries in fire-related incidents, the data revealed.
The cumulative figures for 2025 show that property worth ?654.42 crore was involved in fire incidents, out of which losses amounted to ?102.81 crore, while property valued at ?551.61 crore was successfully saved.
November recorded the highest number of fire incidents at 69 and also witnessed the maximum financial involvement, highlighting increased risks during the colder months due to the use of heating appliances and firewood.
Officials of the Fire and Emergency Services attributed the high value of property saved to swift response times, improved coordination, and growing public awareness. They emphasized the need for strict adherence to fire safety measures, particularly in residential areas and forest zones, to minimize future losses.
The department has urged citizens to follow safety advisories, ensure proper electrical wiring, handle LPG cylinders with care, and immediately report any fire incident to prevent escalation and avoid major damage. (KNS)