Preventing losses

While the use of heating gadgets has increased amidst the harsh winter conditions in Kashmir, there has been a staggering surge in the number of fire incidents across the Valley with the reports revealing that 41 such incidents have occurred in different districts in the first week of January, leading to the huge loss of properties to the people. The rise in fire incidents have been witnessed amidst the hectic efforts being made by the concerned Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) department and organizing 4,000 awareness programmes to make people aware in this regard. A total of 41 fire incidents have been reported across Kashmir in the first seven days of 2025, with 9 cases from Srinagar. The excessive use of heating gadgets is termed as the primary cause for the fire incidents in Kashmir. But, these gadgets should not be used excessively, which makes the situation unpreventable for the people during the winter season. However, it seems that the awareness being raised by the concerned department is not bringing any positive changes on the ground as the people don’t adhere to the preventive norms, which ends up in fire incidents and causing massive losses to the common masses. It is the high time when the people need to take proper care while using the heating gadgets and ensure minimal use of these appliances. Besides, the people must take adequate preventive measures and install the fire extinguishers to douse the flame in the first instance and prevent the loss of property.