Bandipora: A massive fire broke out on Friday evening in the remote Bagtore area of Gurez, Bandipora district, near the Line of Control (LoC). The fire, believed to have been caused by a traditional wooden bukhar (heater), engulfed a double-storey wooden house, destroying it completely and causing partial damage to adjacent properties.
The rapid spread of the fire created panic among locals, but the swift intervention of soldiers from the Indian Army's Rana Battalion prevented the situation from escalating further. Positioned near the area, the soldiers acted promptly, rescuing residents and assisting in controlling the blaze.
The fire left one house, belonging to Faibd Hussain Lone, son of Mohd Ramzan Lone of Gulshanpora Bagtore, heavily damaged. With no local fire station in the area and road blockages preventing fire tenders from arriving, the response of the Army and local authorities became crucial.
The Army's efforts included deploying a JCB to contain the fire's spread, removing combustible materials, and working tirelessly to control the flames alongside local residents. The NHPC (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) team also pitched in, but damage to property was extensive.
Local authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner of Bandipora, have been urged to establish a fire station in Bagtore to prevent similar incidents in the future. The fire has once again highlighted the challenges remote areas face due to inadequate firefighting infrastructure.
The affected residents expressed gratitude to the Army for their timely action. A local resident, Zaheer Ahmad, stated, "Once again, the Army has shown how dedicated they are to protecting the lives of people in remote areas. Their timely response controlled the fire and prevented further tragedy."
The incident occurred around 10 p.m., leaving the community shaken but grateful for the collaborative rescue efforts. Residents hope for long-term solutions to address the region's firefighting and emergency response needs.
