Fire Breaks Out at Cremation Ground in Jammu, Stored Firewood Destroyed
Anil Kumar
Jammu, April 3, KNT: An early morning fire broke out at a cremation ground in the Bantalab area of Jammu, destroying a large quantity of firewood used for performing last rites, officials said.
The blaze erupted at the Shamshan Ghat, where firewood stocks are stored for cremation purposes, causing significant material loss before being brought under control.
The incident has drawn attention due to the essential nature of the destroyed material, which is used by local residents for funeral rituals, highlighting the immediate impact on community services.
Fire tenders from the Fire and Emergency Services Department were rushed to the spot soon after the incident was reported. Firefighters managed to control the blaze in time, preventing it from spreading to nearby areas and infrastructure, officials said.
“The fire was contained quickly, which helped avert a larger incident,” an official from the department told the news agency Kashmir News Trust, crediting the timely response of the teams deployed at the site.
No loss of life or injuries have been reported in the incident, according to officials.
Local residents expressed concern over the destruction of cremation firewood, noting that it could temporarily affect the availability of resources for last rites. At the same time, they appreciated the swift action taken by the fire services in preventing further damage.
“We are relieved that the fire did not spread further, but the loss of firewood is a concern for the community,” a local resident said.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known, and authorities are expected to conduct an assessment to determine the origin of the blaze.
Such incidents at cremation grounds are relatively rare but can disrupt essential services, especially in areas where traditional wood-based cremation remains the primary practice.
Authorities are likely to review safety measures and storage practices to prevent similar incidents in the future. KNT]
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