Overnight blaze damages renders 31 families homeless in Baramulla

Baramulla, Jun 11: An overnight blaze in Sweeper Colony, Noorbagh area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district turned at least 13 houses into ashes and rendered 31 families homeless besides shattering many dreams, officials said Friday.
They said that a massive blaze engulfed Sweeper Colony, Noorbagh at around 9:30 pm on Thursday night which spread like a bushfire and left at least 13 houses completely damaged while 31 families putting up in these houses were rendered homeless. Luckily there was no loss of life reported in the incident.
Locals said that soon after the fire broke out they informed the fire services department, police and the army. “It was the police that reached the spot first and informed other departments.
Police men started dousing the fire of their own till fire services reached along with its fleet,” a local said. “It was the SSP Baramulla, who along with other policemen doused the flames till fire services vehicles reached the spot,” a local, whose house was damaged in the fire, said.
Deputy Director Fire and Emergency services Baramulla, Abdul Khaliq told KNO, that as the fire broke out in the areas, fire tenders from Sopore, Sangrama, Rafiabad, and Baramulla were rushed to the spot to douse the flames. “At least 31 families have been left homeless as their houses were turned into ashes due to the deadly blaze,” he said.
Officials from the administration including Tehsildar, Accountant Officer, revenue officer, fire service, police and other departments have sent teams to review the situation and estimate the damages. Tents and food are being provided among those affected by the fire. “As per the government direction, we will provide compensation to all the affected families,” said Naib Tehsildar Baramulla, Ghulam Muhammad Chopan.
Meanwhile, on the directions of Lieutenant Governor, Advisor to LG Baseer Ahmad Khan accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Bhupinder Kumar and other senior officers paid visit to Noorbagh Baramulla where he met with the fire victims whose residential houses were completely damaged in a massive fire incident late last night.
Advisor Khan said that he took the first hand appraisal of the situation and gave patient hearing to the sufferers. “I assured every possible support shall be provided for the immediate rehabilitation,” he said, adding that cheques worth Rs 50,000 among each affected family as an immediate relief. “Tents and free ration besides edibles were provided to the affected families,” he said.
The advisor Khan said that he directed the Deputy Commissioner to undertake a holistic assessment so that they can be covered under PMAY housing scheme and SDRF relief. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole also visited the fire victims and stated that every possible support will be provided to the victims on fast track basis. “Financial assistance under SDRF and Red Cross has been provided to the victims and more will be done in the days ahead. One good thing is that no loss of life was reported in the incident,” he said.