Wooden House Reduced to Ashes in Devastating Fire in Puthwari Nowgam

Locals Accuse Fire & Emergency Services of Delayed Response

Handwara, Kupwara (Feb 20, 2025): A massive fire engulfed a wooden residential house in Puthwari Nowgam, Qalamabad, on Wednesday afternoon, leaving the structure completely gutted. The house, belonging to Arif Ahmad Khan, son of Saifullah Khan, was destroyed along with all belongings inside, including clothing and food grains.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire broke out suddenly, rapidly consuming the wooden structure. While locals rushed to douse the flames, their efforts proved futile. Meanwhile, residents have expressed outrage over the delayed arrival of the Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES).

"It could have been saved, but the fire department arrived too late. By the time they reached, the house was already reduced to ashes," a local resident alleged.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities are yet to assess the full extent of the damage. The incident has once again raised concerns about the efficiency and response time of emergency services in remote areas of North Kashmir.