J&K Fire and Emergency Services Issues Winter Advisory to Curb Fire Incidents
Department urges public to exercise caution with heating gadgets, Kangris, and LPG appliances as fire incidents surge with onset of winter.
Srinagar, Oct 14: As winter sets in and fire related incidents begin to rise across Jammu and Kashmir, the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a comprehensive winter safety advisory, urging residents to follow essential preventive measures to avoid domestic fire accidents.
The advisory emphasizes cautious use of electrical heating gadgets, LPG appliances, and traditional Kangris, highlighting that negligence in their handling often leads to tragic fire incidents during the cold season.
According to officials, households and commercial establishments have been advised to ensure all heating devices such as room heaters, Bukharis, and LPG stoves are switched off before leaving the premises or going to bed. The department has also cautioned against the unsafe use of Kangris, recommending they be placed securely at night to prevent accidental fires.
Residents have been urged to avoid storing dry grass, firewood, or other flammable materials near living spaces, and to refrain from using faulty electrical equipment or substandard heating devices. The advisory further recommends the installation of high-quality fuses and miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) with proper earthing systems to minimize the risk of electrical short circuits.
The department also stressed kitchen safety, advising people to remain present while cooking and to turn off LPG stoves and cylinders immediately after use. Adequate ventilation should be maintained when operating LPG heaters, while care should be taken not to discard lit cigarette butts carelessly. Additionally, all escape routes and access points for water sources should remain unobstructed, especially in densely populated areas.
“In case of any fire emergency, citizens should immediately contact the nearest fire station or call the Fire and Emergency Services helpline,” the department said. Emergency contact numbers include the toll-free 101, along with Srinagar (0194-2452155, 2452222) and Jammu (0191-2457705, 2435283).
Officials stated that the advisory forms part of the department’s annual winter awareness campaign aimed at reducing fire incidents linked to excessive use of heating devices. The Fire and Emergency Services Directorate has also appealed to media outlets, civic bodies, and educational institutions to amplify the fire safety message across the Union Territory.
