SRINAGAR, Oct 25 (Agencies): A massive fire broke out at Mir Sales Corporation in Kaka Sarai, Karan Nagar, Srinagar, late Saturday night, damaging several commercial and residential-cum-commercial structures and affecting a nearby hospital building. Fire and Emergency Services personnel, supported by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and other emergency response agencies, battled the blaze for nearly seven hours before bringing it under control early Sunday morning.
According to the Fire and Emergency Services report, the department received a fire call at 11:18 pm on October 24, and the first fire service team turned out within a minute, at 11:19 pm. The firefighting operation continued through the night, with teams from multiple stations mobilised to contain the spreading flames and prevent further damage.
Around 12 fire stations and approximately 20 fire tenders were involved in the extensive firefighting operation, reflecting the scale of the emergency and the coordinated response by the department.
The blaze engulfed two commercial structures, two three-storey residential-cum-commercial buildings and an iron shed measuring approximately 100 by 50 feet. The affected premises reportedly contained furnishing materials, polythene and tarpaulins, which intensified the fire.
The report stated that both commercial structures and the iron shed, along with their contents, suffered severe damage. The attic portions of the residential-cum-commercial buildings were also affected, while doors, windows, household goods and the roof of one structure sustained partial damage.
Meanwhile, one side of the nearby six-storey Medicare Hospital building sustained indirect damage due to intense heat, smoke and water used during firefighting operations.
Amid concerns over the fire’s proximity to the hospital, Fire and Emergency Services personnel, with the assistance of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other agencies, carried out the evacuation of patients from Medicare Hospital.
All patients were safely evacuated, according to the department’s report. The timely response and coordinated efforts of the emergency personnel helped facilitate the evacuation while firefighting teams continued working to bring the blaze under control.
Firefighting operations was supervised on ground by Deputy Director F&ES Command Srinagar Dr. Aqib Hussain Mir. The operation involved personnel from Fire and Emergency Services headquarters and stations at S.H. Pora, M.R. Gunj, Babadem, Safakadal, Gowkadal, Nowshera, Rawalpora, Weir/JVC, Budgam, Ganderbal and Pampore.
Director Fire and Emergency Services, Alok Kumar, IPS, lauded the firefighting personnel and officers on the spot for their timely response, coordinated efforts and the swift evacuation of patients from Medicare Hospital.
He appreciated the teamwork displayed by the personnel during the prolonged operation, particularly their efforts to contain the fire and safeguard lives despite the challenging circumstances.
Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, also praised the Srinagar Police for extending support to the firefighting teams during the operation.
“Well done, Team Srinagar! District Police Srinagar has extended full support to the firefighting teams in controlling the fire at Medicity Hospital, Karan Nagar,” the IGP said.
The incident highlighted the importance of coordination among emergency response agencies in managing major urban fires, particularly in densely populated commercial areas where adjoining buildings and critical facilities can be exposed to risk.
The fire was brought under control at around 5:30 am on Sunday. The cause of the blaze and the total estimated financial losses were not specified in the department’s report.