Massive Fire Ravages Poonch Market, Nearly 12 Shops Reduced to Ashes

JAMMU, June 7: A major fire incident caused widespread destruction in the Bufliaz market area of Poonch district on Sunday morning, leaving several businesses severely damaged and triggering fresh concerns over the region’s emergency preparedness.

According to officials, the blaze erupted around dawn in the bustling market located along the historic Mughal Road. The flames quickly spread through a cluster of commercial establishments, many of which were constructed using highly combustible materials such as timber and tin sheets.

Local residents were the first to respond to the emergency, rushing to contain the flames before they could engulf the entire marketplace. Personnel from the Army and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soon joined the rescue effort, helping prevent further devastation until firefighting teams arrived at the scene.

Fire and Emergency Services officials said the operation succeeded in bringing the situation under control within a short period, preventing the blaze from spreading to additional structures. Preliminary findings indicate that an electrical fault may have triggered the incident, though a detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.

The fire left affected traders counting heavy losses as merchandise, equipment and shop infrastructure were destroyed. While no injuries or fatalities were reported, the economic impact on business owners is expected to be significant.

The incident has sparked strong criticism from local residents and shopkeepers, who alleged that inadequate emergency facilities in the area worsened the damage. They claimed that the absence of a dedicated fire station in Bufliaz delayed the arrival of firefighting resources during the crucial initial stages of the emergency.

Many residents credited Army and CRPF personnel for their swift intervention, saying their efforts helped save several nearby establishments from being consumed by the flames. However, they expressed disappointment over what they described as a lack of immediate support from civil authorities following the incident.

The affected business community has urged the administration to establish a permanent fire service facility in the region to ensure quicker response times during emergencies. Residents also called for a comprehensive assessment of the losses suffered by traders and demanded financial relief measures to assist families whose livelihoods have been affected.

Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed survey of the damaged properties as the community begins the challenging task of recovery and rebuilding.