May 19 — A devastating fire broke out in the main market area of Sumbal in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, reducing at least 20 shops and five residential houses to ashes.
Eyewitnesses said the fire erupted suddenly and spread rapidly, engulfing large parts of the congested market area. Fire and Emergency Services from Sumbal and Naidkhai, along with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and local residents, launched a joint operation to douse the flames. As the fire intensified, additional firefighting teams from Safapora and Batwina were rushed to the spot.
After several hours of relentless firefighting, the blaze was finally brought under control. Thankfully, no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident.
The cause of the fire remains unclear. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated an investigation to ascertain the cause of the blaze.
