Srinagar, Dec 05 (KNS): The army on Sunday claimed to have averted a massive conflagration by dousing off massive fire in main market of Fatehgarh village in north Kashmir's Baramulla district late last night. 

Srinagar based defence spokesperson, in a statement to Kashmir News Service (KNS) said that a massive fire had broken out in the main market area of Fatehgarh village at 11:10 PM, which soon engulfed large area, extending the conflagration zone in the market.  

The statement reads that initially local volunteers from the village tried to control the blaze but failed to contain following which help was sought from the Army. "Responding quickly, two teams of army including one Quick Reaction Team rushed to the site with firefighting equipment. Army troops without caring for their own safety, quickly formed a human chain from the water point to the incident site. The fire was contained and not allowed to spread to adjacent Shops, houses and trees," it reads. 

It reads that meanwhile, local police, fire fighting teams from fire service department and assistance from other security forces with water bowsers and other firefighting equipment also came in. "Army troops paved the way for the local fire brigade and continued extinguishing the fire alongside the firefighters. After a strenuous firefight, the blaze was finally tamed at 01:15 AM," it reads. 

The statement reads that village Panchayat members witnessing the incident lauded the selfless efforts, professionalism and courage displayed by Army personnel for timely assistance provided in extinguishing the fire, thereby minimizing losses. "Senior Citizens of the village present also extended thanks for spirit of unity displayed by the men in uniform," it reads. (KNS)