Winter Fires: Kashmir’s Annual Battle

Srinagar, Nov 30: “I thought we had time. But in a matter of minutes, everything was gone.” That’s how Mohammad Yousuf described the fire that tore through his home last month, leaving him and his neighbors with little more than the clothes on their backs. This devastating scene is all too familiar across Kashmir’s winters, where sudden blazes can destroy homes in the blink of an eye. For the residents of the region, these fires are not just a seasonal concern—they are an ongoing, yearly risk.

Kashmir, known for its harsh winters and steep terrain, faces an annual challenge with fires that can engulf entire neighborhoods within minutes. Many residents, particularly in rural and remote areas, rely on traditional heating methods such as Bukharis and Kangris (fire pots), which can pose significant fire hazards. The risk is particularly high when these heating devices are placed too close to flammable materials or when electrical systems, often outdated, become overloaded due to the high demand for heat during the winter months.
Fires in Kashmir are a recurring problem. In 2021, there were 1,654 fire incidents reported. This number increased to 1,982 in 2022 and further escalated to 2,310 incidents in 2023. This indicates an average of approximately 2,000 fire incidents per year over the last three years, with a notable rise each year. The growing frequency and severity of these fires are alarming, affecting hundreds of families every winter.
“There was no place to escape,” said Fatima Begum, who lost her home in Srinagar last winter. “We were all in the same room, huddled around the bukhari for warmth. One moment, we were warm, the next we were running outside into the snow with nothing but the clothes we were wearing.” Fatima’s experience is echoed by many across the valley, who find themselves caught off guard by the rapid spread of fire in the dead of winter.
In cities like Srinagar, where old neighbourhoods with narrow lanes are densely populated, firefighting efforts face additional challenges. “Our job becomes harder when we can’t access the area quickly,” said Engineer Aquib Hussain Mir, Additional Director of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. “During the winter months, we get more fire incidents because of heating methods. Narrow streets and old infrastructure make it almost impossible to get to the site in time.” These challenges are further compounded by the region’s remoteness and the difficulty of reaching affected areas in time.
Despite the growing number of fires, many residents remain unaware of basic fire safety precautions. It is common to find households without fire extinguishers or the necessary tools to contain a fire until help arrives. As a result, families are often forced to rely on neighbours, who provide temporary shelter and food after a fire devastates their homes.
The Fire and Emergency Services Department has begun working to improve its response capacity. “We’re increasing the number of fire hydrants in Srinagar and upgrading equipment, but we also need better access routes, particularly in crowded areas,” explained Engineer Mir. The department has also been focusing on educating the public about fire safety, but there is still much to be done.