Kupwara, Oct 22 (JKNS): Fire incidents have become alarmingly frequent across Karnah, turning into a serious concern for residents of this border region. During dry weather conditions, even a small spark can turn into a major tragedy.
As per local reports, nearly 20 to 25 fire incidents are recorded in Karnah every year, leaving many poor families homeless and helpless.
In a recent incident at Takiya Badarkote, a poor resident lost his house to flames. Locals alleged that the loss could have been minimized if timely firefighting help had arrived. Adding to the distress, around 12 noon today, a devastating fire broke out at Chitterkote, Karnah, completely gutting the house of Zahir Ahmad Khawaja. The fire spread rapidly, and within moments, the entire house was engulfed in flames.
Local residents and Army personnel jointly attempted to douse the fire, but the intensity of the blaze made it uncontrollable. The Fire and Emergency Services vehicle from Tangdhar station arrived late due to the region’s difficult terrain and narrow, damaged roads. By the time the flames were extinguished, the house had been reduced to ashes.
Fire officials confirmed that the delay was due to road challenges between Tangdhar and Chitterkote. Residents expressed anger, saying that the entire Karnah subdivision depends on a single fire station at Tangdhar, where large vehicles often fail to reach remote villages on time.
The locals have urged the government to establish new fire stations in Chitterkote, Badarkote, and other distant areas, and to provide smaller, faster response vehicles for emergencies.
People have appealed to the district administration and Fire & Emergency Services Department to address this pressing issue, emphasizing that every year, dozens of poor families in Karnah lose their homes and lifetime savings to devastating fires. (JKNS)
