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Major fire in tourist hotspot Pahalgam damages hotels, shops
Famed tourist resort of Kashmir, Pahalgam, 90 km away from Srinagar, on Sunday evening witnessed a major fire engulfing hotels and shops mainly built out of wood.
Famed tourist resort of Kashmir, Pahalgam, 90 km away from Srinagar, on Sunday evening witnessed a major fire engulfing hotels and shops mainly built out of wood.
According to preliminary reports, a fire, source of which is being ascertained by the police, emanated from a hotel in the main market of Pahalgam. The flames billowing out of the hotel in no time lapped up nearby shops.
The fire spread panic among the locals and visitors, who were camping up there. According to state officials, the damage was being assessed and the cause of fire being ascertained.
Initial reports suggest the tourist reception centre too was damaged in the blaze. Fire tankers and locals were busy dousing the flames when the last reports came in. There were no reports of any casualty.
Chief minister Omar Abdullah too has tweeted on the incident. "A fire has broken out in Pahalgam & has engulfed the Tourist Reception Centre & Hotel Poornima. I've been told both buildings evacuated (sic)" tweeted J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
"Fire brigade on the scene but strong winds have increased the risk of the fire spreading. The situation is being monitored & tackled (sic)" he said in another tweet.
