Boniyar, Dec 20: At least two residential houses were completely gutted in a devastating fire incident in the Passran area of Boniyar in Baramulla district on Saturday, leaving three families homeless.
As per details availabl, the houses belonged to Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh, son of Subhan Karim Sheikh, and Imtiyaz Ahmed Sheikh, son of Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh. According to locals, around 12 members of three families were residing in the affected houses at the time of the incident.
Residents said that locals, along with Army personnel, made strenuous efforts to douse the flames. However, the fire could not be brought under control due to an acute shortage of water. They further alleged that the Fire and Emergency Services vehicle reached the spot late, by which time both houses had been completely reduced to ashes. Locals expressed concern over the absence of a Fire and Emergency Services unit in the area, stating that the lack of timely response resulted in the loss of homes and property.
The exact cause of the fire has not been ascertained so far.
Meanwhile, Tehsildar Boniyar visited the spot and assessed the damage. He provided immediate relief in the form of beds and blankets to the victims and assured them of all possible assistance from the government. (GNS)
