Watch: Massive fire destroys 8 houses, several cowsheds in J&K's Kishtwar

Visuals of horrifying blaze that eight homes

NEW DELHI: A fire that broke out shortly after midnight reduced at least eight houses and several cowsheds to ashes in a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district.The fire erupted in a house in Mungli village in the Warwan area and spread rapidly to neighbouring structures.

With residents struggling to contain it, earth movers were used to pull down parts of the affected houses and create a gap to prevent the flames from spreading further.

No human casualties were reported in the blaze but reporting suggests that there have been livestock casualties.The exact extent of the livestock loss, however, could not be ascertained as a detailed assessment was not possible during the night, as reported by news agency PTI.The absence of a fire station in Warwan meant fire tenders had to be summoned from Kokernag in south Kashmir's Anantnag district. The firefighting operation continued for several hours before the blaze was brought under control around 4 am.

Officials said the site was being monitored as some areas were still smouldering.The cause of the blaze was also not immediately known.The local administration has begun assessing the damage and the relief needed by affected families.

A relief vehicle is also being arranged from the district headquarters, officials said.The incident comes as authorities regularly warn residents in the remote Warwan region about the risk of fires during winter. Families commonly stockpile dry grass and fodder for their livestock during the season, and officials have advised them to keep such material away from homes and other residential structures.Similar precautions have also been communicated through government and religious institutions in the area.