Srinagar, Dec 31 (JKNS): Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES), Jammu and Kashmir, has reported notable improvements in public safety and emergency response during 2025, with a sharp decline in fire incidents and substantial protection of life and property across the Union Territory.
According to official figures accessed by news agency JKNS, the Department responded to 6,039 fire calls, 59 rescue calls, and 53 false calls during the year. A total of 322 fire tenders and Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs), supported by 2,157 personnel, were deployed. Due to timely and coordinated operations, property worth approximately ₹5,000 crore was saved, while losses were restricted to around ₹300 crore.
A key achievement highlighted in the report is a reduction of 1,994 fire incidents compared to 2024, marking an approximate 25 percent decline from 8,033 incidents recorded in the previous year. The decrease has been attributed to sustained fire prevention efforts and enhanced public awareness.
Public awareness remained a central focus throughout the year. Under the initiative of Director Fire and Emergency Services, Shri Alok Kumar (ADGP–IPS), the fire safety awareness campaign launched in August 2022 continued vigorously in 2025. The campaign promotes the concept of “Har Ghar Firefighter”, encouraging every household to have at least one trained individual capable of responding effectively during the initial stages of a fire incident.
Up to December 2025, 9,887 fire safety awareness programmes were conducted in educational institutions, hospitals, nursing homes and other establishments, benefiting over 10.3 lakh participants, including students, healthcare professionals and members of the general public.
To mitigate increased fire risks during severe weather conditions, additional preventive measures were undertaken, including the strategic deployment of fire tenders, QRVs and fire pumps at identified vulnerable locations across J&K. In far-flung and remote areas, local volunteers and public representatives were trained in basic firefighting and fire prevention techniques to strengthen community-level preparedness.
The report further notes that 3,728 fire safety audits were carried out in hospitals, hotels, nursing homes, educational institutions, government buildings and commercial establishments during the year. Recommendations were issued to enhance firefighting infrastructure, evacuation preparedness and overall safety standards.
Fire and Emergency Services also played a vital role during recent flood situations, particularly in Anantnag and Srinagar, where search, rescue and dewatering operations were conducted at over 60 locations. The Department provided operational support during “Operation Sindoor” by deploying fire tenders and trained crews in Poonch, Uri, Sopore and Kupwara districts.
Additionally, comprehensive fire safety arrangements were put in place for the Annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra (SANJY)-2025, with the establishment of over 30 temporary fire stations along the Baltal and Pahalgam routes to ensure pilgrim safety.
On the capacity-building front, a new Fire Training Centre (FTC) was established at Bari Brahmana. During the year, two batches completed the Basic Firemanship Course, while six batches underwent refresher training programmes.
The Department stated that the achievements of 2025 reflect a comprehensive and forward-looking approach integrating operational efficiency with prevention, public awareness and community participation. Fire and Emergency Services, J&K, reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and strengthening a resilient culture of fire safety across the Union Territory. (JKNS)
