Massive Fire Guts Three Shops, Residential houses and Apple Produce in Bandipora’s Aloosa Village. A massive fire broke out in Aloosa village of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Friday afternoon, destroying three shops, partially damaging three residential houses, and reducing nearly 3,000 apple boxes to ashes. The blaze erupted in Aloosa village and rapidly spread to adjoining structures, fueled by strong winds and highly flammable goods stored in the commercial premises. Witnesses said thick smoke engulfed the locality as panic-stricken shopkeepers and residents rushed to save their belongings before the flames overwhelmed the area. Everything is gone, said a local resident as he desperately searched through the charred remains. Residents alleged the absence of fire service in Tehail every time affects people and said it takes around an hour for fire service to reach the spot until everything was turned into ashes. Official sources said the cause of fire was not immediately known however authorities have registered a case and investigation has started.