Srinagar: Amid a growing number of fire incidents during the onset of winter, the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Jammu and Kashmir, has issued a detailed advisory urging the public to adopt strict safety measures while using electrical heating gadgets, Kangris, and LPG appliances.
The department stressed public vigilance to prevent domestic fire tragedies that increase during the cold months.
The advisory lists several preventive steps for households and businesses. It advises switching off all electrical devices, including room heaters, Bukharis, and LPG stoves, before leaving home or going to sleep.
It warned against unsafe use of Kangris, the traditional Kashmiri firepots, asking people to place them securely at night to avoid accidental tipping and fires. Residents have been told not to store dry grass, wood, or other flammable materials inside or near homes.
The advisory also cautions against using faulty or substandard appliances, defective electric blankets, or high-wattage heaters that may cause short circuits. It recommends using good-quality fuses and miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) with proper earthing.
People are advised to stay in the kitchen while cooking, turn off LPG stoves and cylinders after use, and ensure proper ventilation when using LPG heaters. The public has also been told not to throw lit cigarette butts carelessly and to keep escape routes and water access points clear, especially in crowded residential and market areas.
“In case of any fire emergency, citizens should immediately contact the nearest fire station or call the Fire & Emergency Services helpline,” the department said.
The toll-free emergency number is 101. Control room numbers are Srinagar: 0194-2452155, 2452222, and Jammu: 0191-2457705, 2435283.
Officials said the advisory is part of the department’s yearly campaign to reduce fire incidents caused by heavy use of heating equipment and electricity in winter.
The department has appealed to local media, civic bodies, and educational institutions to help promote fire safety awareness across Jammu and Kashmir.
