Jammu and Kashmir: Fire Guts Two-Storey House in Doda’s Gundna, Family Loses Belongings

A massive fire broke out around 3 a.m. on Friday in Shayal Pora village of Panchayat Ghadther A in Gundna tehsil of Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, completely destroying a two-storey residential building and causing extensive property losses. No casualties were reported in the incident.

According to details received by The Chenab Times, the fire engulfed the house of Ghulam Nabi Lone and reduced its contents to ashes. Household furniture, clothing and cash savings kept inside the building were reportedly destroyed in the blaze. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

The fire also damaged a shop belonging to Ghulam Hussain Lone and caused partial damage to a nearby hospital building. Residents said the flames spread rapidly before villagers could organize efforts to contain them.

As news of the incident spread, residents from Shayal Pora and adjoining villages, including Karmanpora, Ghattar and Badwha, rushed to the site. Villagers from both Hindu and Muslim communities joined efforts to control the fire and prevent it from spreading further. After several hours of firefighting by local residents, the blaze was brought under control, though the residential building had already been completely gutted.

Locals said the affected family has suffered severe losses. Ghulam Nabi Lone, the owner of the destroyed house, is a daily-wage labourer and has reportedly been battling illness for the past year. Residents said the family lost nearly all household belongings in the incident.

Villagers also highlighted the lack of road connectivity in the Ghadthar-Shial-Badwha-Tandar area, alleging that poor access delayed the arrival of emergency response services. They said a proper road would enable quicker movement of fire and emergency vehicles during such incidents.

Residents urged the administration to expedite work on the proposed road project, stating that approvals have already been granted and construction should begin without further delay. They said improved connectivity is essential for emergency response and public safety in the area.

The villagers have also appealed to Deputy Commissioner Doda to constitute a team to assess the damage caused by the fire and provide compensation and relief to the affected families. Officials had not issued a public statement on the incident at the time of filing this report.