Srinagar, Dec 20: A fire broke out on the top floor of the Ali Jan Complex on MA Road, Srinagar on Saturday, causing damage to several establishments before Fire and Emergency Services teams reached the spot and contained the blaze.

Officials said multiple fire tenders were rushed to the location soon after the call was received. Firefighters managed to prevent the flames from spreading to the lower floors of the multi-storey structure, which houses a large number of shops, private offices and government departments.

An official told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the fire had penetrated concealed spaces inside the complex, forcing the team to break a couple of internal walls to access pockets of trapped heat and extinguish the flames completely. He said the swift response prevented extensive structural damage.

Some shops and office units on the top floor suffered partial loss due to smoke, water and fire, but the timely intervention ensured that the broader complex remained safe. The cause of the fire is being assessed by concerned departments.[KNT]