Jammu, September 30: At least eight houses and several cowsheds were destroyed in a major fire that broke out in the remote Mungli village of Warwan in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district early Wednesday, officials said.
The fire reportedly started in a house shortly after midnight and quickly spread to nearby structures. Local residents attempted to control the blaze, using earth-moving machines to demolish parts of the affected houses and create a firebreak.
As the Warwan area does not have a dedicated fire station, fire tenders were summoned from Kokernag in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The blaze was brought under control around 4 am, although some parts of the affected area continued to smoulder and remained under observation.
No human casualties were reported in the incident. However, some livestock perished in the fire, though officials said the exact number could not be immediately determined due to the nighttime conditions.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.
Meanwhile, the local administration has started assessing the damage and determining relief requirements. A relief vehicle is also being arranged from the district headquarters to assist the affected families.
Officials noted that fire incidents are relatively common in the remote Warwan region during winter, when residents store large quantities of dry grass and fodder for livestock.
Authorities have repeatedly advised residents against storing dry grass inside or close to residential buildings, as it can accelerate the spread of fire. Cautionary advisories have also been issued through government and religious institutions regarding the safe storage of dry fodder.
