Fire Guts Two Houses in Purana Tulail, Bandipora A massive blaze late Tuesday evening reduced two residential houses to ashes in Purana Tulail area of Girez valley in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, officials said. According to officials, the fire originated in the house of Abdul Ahad Lone, son of Saboor Lone, before rapidly engulfing an adjacent structure. Despite frantic efforts by locals, the flames quickly intensified due to the wooden construction of the houses. Fire tenders from the Budugam Fire Station, assisted by police and Army personnel, reached the spot soon after being alerted and launched an extensive operation to douse the flames. After several hours of coordinated efforts, the fire was finally brought under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby houses in the densely built locality. Though the property loss is reported to be extensive, there were no casualties or injuries in the incident. Preliminary assessment points to a possible short circuit as the cause of the fire, officials said. Locals have urged the administration to provide immediate relief and assistance to the affected families, who lost most of their belongings in the blaze. Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated further investigation to ascertain the exact cause.