Massive Fire Breaks out at Army Camp Store in Uttarakhand’s Joshimath | Video

Dehradun: There was chaos on Auli Road of Joshimath in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand on Friday when a sudden fire broke out in a store inside the Army Camp. Within a few minutes the flames intensified and a plume of black smoke became visible in the distance. Panic spread among the people nearby and a situation of panic was created in the entire area.

As soon as information about the incident was received, several fire brigade vehicles reached the spot and the operation to extinguish the fire was started. Till the time of writing the news, fire brigade teams were present on the spot and the situation was being continuously monitored. At present there is no information about any casualty.

Why is it still not clear what caused the fire?

According to preliminary information, the fire broke out in the store of the Army Camp, where items of daily use are kept. However, no official statement has come yet regarding the cause of the fire. Administration and security agencies are engaged in a thorough investigation of the entire matter. The incident of fire in a sensitive area like an army camp is being taken seriously and efforts are being made to find out whether it was the result of some technical fault or negligence.

Have there been incidents of fire in army camps before?

This incident of Joshimath is not the first. Even before this, cases of fire in army camps have been reported in different parts of the country. In the month of May last year, a massive fire broke out in an army camp located near the Degree College in Leh, Ladakh. The fire that broke out in the morning engulfed the entire building within no time, causing panic in the area. As soon as the information was received, teams of local police, Indian Army and fire department reached the spot and with joint efforts the fire was brought under control. No loss of life or property was reported in that incident.

Has the Joshimath fire again raised questions on security arrangements?

After such incidents continuously coming to light, questions have started being raised regarding fire safety arrangements in army camps and military establishments. Experts believe that there is a need for regular fire safety audits and technical checks in military complexes located in sensitive areas. Even after the Joshimath incident, it is hoped that after the completion of the investigation, necessary steps will be taken so that such incidents can be prevented in future.