Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu January 1; 2026:
A major fire incident was reported this evening between 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM in village Thachna of Dachhan area in Kishtwar district, causing extensive damage to residential property. The fire initially broke out in one house and, due to the close proximity of houses in the area, quickly spread to adjoining structures. As per initial reports, around five to six houses were completely gutted in the incident.
Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma informed that civilians, police personnel, and particularly the troops of 17 Rashtriya Rifles deployed in the area have been making continuous and coordinated efforts to douse the flames. Due to their timely intervention, the fire has been largely brought under control, preventing further damage.
Meanwhile, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Sajjad Kichloo, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fire incident in Thachna–Dachhan. He assured the affected families that every possible assistance would be provided. He stated that immediate relief and support have already been directed, and a comprehensive rehabilitation plan will be ensured to help the victims recover, rebuild their lives, and restore normalcy at the earliest. The MP also informed that he has spoken to Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding the incident and sought all necessary assistance for the affected families.
MLA Kishtwar, Shagun Parihar, upon receiving information about the incident, rushed to Kishtwar despite being outside Jammu at the time. When contacted, the MLA lauded the efforts of local residents, the Indian Army, and police personnel for playing a crucial role in containing the fire and preventing it from spreading further. Responding to queries regarding the long-standing demand for the establishment of fire service stations at the tehsil level, she stated that efforts are underway to address these genuine public issues. However, she emphasized that the immediate priority remains relief and rehabilitation of the affected families.
Further assessment of losses is underway, while district authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
Notably, incidents of residential fires tend to increase during the winter season, particularly in hilly and remote areas, due to multiple factors. The extensive use of firewood, coal heaters, bukharis, kangris, LPG cylinders, and faulty electrical wiring, coupled with congested housing patterns, often leads to accidental fires. Poor access to firefighting infrastructure and delayed response in snow-bound or inaccessible areas further aggravate the situation, resulting in heavy losses to life and property. Repeated fire incidents have once again highlighted the urgent need for strengthening fire safety awareness, improving electrical safety standards, and establishing fire service stations at the tehsil level to ensure timely response during emergencies.
