Gulmarg hotel fire: Admn denies allegations of delayed response
Our Correspodent
Srinagar, February 29
A day after the video of Gulmarg locals combating a hotel fire with snowballs went viral, a controversy has erupted over the incident.
On Thursday, the administration said the video undermined its efforts to douse the fire. The administration further said it has decided to ensure compliance with fire safety protocols to stop such incidents. It stated that a team from the fire services department and the Gulmarg Development Authority will undertake a fire audit of all hotels and other structures in Gulmarg.
The controversy started with a video footage captured during the incident at the Pine Palace Platinum Hotel in Gulmarg, which depicted people hurling snowballs in a bid to douse the flames, as emergency and fire services were allegedly absent.
The hotel, a three-story structure, caught fire early Wednesday morning. Some locals said the narrow, snow-covered roads leading to the hotel made it difficult for fire engines to arrive quickly, worsening the situation.
Residents and hotel staff took matters into their own hands by using snowballs to extinguish the fire. Videos capturing this unconventional firefighting tactic quickly spread on social media. The desperate tactics failed to extinguish the fire. Many locals alleged the fire tenders took time to reach the spot.
However, Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg, said the videos showing local people douse the fire with snowballs is “unfortunate and undermines the stupendous efforts of fire services and local administration.” He said despite very challenging circumstances, with timely efforts of officials of the fire service department, the fire tenders were not only able to control the fire but minimise the losses as well.
“To douse the fire more effectively and without delay, two fire tenders were called from Tangmarg, and Kunzar as well. The officials of local administration remained proactive till the fire was doused completely,” he said, adding that swift evacuation measures also ensured the safety of all hotel guests, and no casualties were reported.
