A major fire broke out in the main market area of Bandipora in Jammu and Kashmir, triggering panic among shopkeepers and residents as flames rapidly spread through several commercial establishments.
The incident occurred early in the day when thick smoke was first noticed rising from a row of shops in the busy marketplace. Within minutes, the fire intensified and began spreading to nearby stores, forcing traders and locals to rush to the area in an attempt to save goods and prevent further damage.
Officials said the Jammu and Kashmir Fire and Emergency Services quickly responded after receiving the alert. Multiple fire tenders were dispatched to the spot, and firefighters worked for hours to control the blaze and stop it from spreading to adjoining buildings in the densely packed market area.
Initial reports suggest that several shops were damaged in the fire, though the exact extent of the losses is still being assessed. Many of the affected establishments reportedly sold household goods, garments and daily essentials, raising concerns among local traders about heavy financial losses.
Local residents and shopkeepers joined rescue efforts by helping firefighters clear the area and remove flammable materials from nearby shops. Authorities also cordoned off parts of the market to ensure the safety of bystanders and to allow emergency teams to carry out firefighting operations more effectively.
So far, no casualties have been reported, which officials described as a major relief given the scale of the blaze and the crowded nature of the marketplace. However, several shop owners have said that valuable stock and property were destroyed before the fire could be brought under control.
Police personnel were also deployed at the site to manage the crowd and maintain order while emergency services continued their work. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire.
Preliminary assessments indicate that a possible electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze, although authorities said a detailed probe will confirm the exact reason behind the incident.
Fires in crowded market areas remain a recurring concern in many towns across the region, where closely packed shops, electrical wiring issues and the presence of flammable goods can allow flames to spread quickly.
Local officials have assured traders that damage assessments will be conducted and that further steps will be taken to strengthen fire safety measures in commercial areas.
As firefighters continued cooling operations to prevent the fire from reigniting, the incident once again highlighted the vulnerability of busy marketplaces to sudden fire outbreaks and the urgent need for improved safety infrastructure.
