The Fire and Emergency Services Department in Jammu and Kashmir has reported a substantial improvement in public safety for the year 2025, marked by a sharp decline in fire-related emergencies across the union territory.
Significant Drop in Fire Cases and Enhanced Response
Official data released on Wednesday reveals a positive trend, with fire incidents falling by approximately 25 per cent compared to the previous year. The department recorded 6,039 fire calls in 2025, down from 8,033 in 2024. This reduction of 1,994 incidents highlights the effectiveness of recent prevention and awareness campaigns.
Beyond fire calls, the emergency teams also responded to 59 rescue calls and 53 false alarms. For these operations, the department efficiently deployed 322 fire tenders and quick response vehicles (QRVs), supported by a dedicated force of 2,157 personnel.
Massive Property Saved Through Coordinated Efforts
The timely and well-coordinated actions of the fire services had a direct economic impact. A spokesman stated that these operations resulted in saving property valued at an estimated Rs 5000 crore, while limiting the actual losses to around Rs 300 crore. This outcome underscores the critical importance of preparedness and rapid response mechanisms in mitigating disaster-related damage.
"This notable decrease reflects the positive impact of sustained fire prevention initiatives and increased public awareness, contributing to safer communities," the official remarked.
Proactive Safety Audits and Major Event Coverage
A key component of the prevention strategy involved rigorous safety inspections. Throughout the year, 3,728 fire safety audits were conducted at various high-occupancy venues, including:
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Hotels and commercial establishments
- Educational institutions and government buildings
Based on these audits, specific recommendations were issued to upgrade fire-fighting infrastructure, improve evacuation plans, and bolster overall safety standards.
The department also played a vital role in supporting other critical operations. During Operation Sindoor, fire tenders and trained crews were mobilised in districts like Poonch, Uri, Sopore, and Kupwara. Furthermore, a comprehensive safety cover was established for the annual Amarnath Yatra. More than 30 temporary fire stations were set up along both the Baltal (Ganderbal) and Pahalgam (Anantnag) routes to ensure pilgrim safety and enable seamless emergency response throughout the pilgrimage period.
