A major fire broke out today inside the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly complex in Jammu, damaging valuable property and historical photographs in the lobby of the old Assembly building. The blaze caused widespread alarm but was successfully brought under control by fire personnel after prompt action.
According to online media reports, the fire erupted in the lobby area where photographs of former Governors and Lieutenant Governors were displayed. These rare and historic images were among the primary casualties of the fire, causing a significant cultural and institutional loss.
Furniture and Property Worth Lakhs Gutted
Apart from destroying the photographic gallery, the fire also consumed several sofas, chairs, and wooden fixtures, damaging infrastructure reportedly worth several lakhs of rupees. The intensity of the flames spread rapidly through the area, further increasing the extent of damage before being contained.
Fire and Emergency Services Swiftly Responded
The Fire and Emergency Services Department responded promptly to distress calls and rushed multiple teams to the site. Firefighters launched an aggressive operation to control and extinguish the flames, finally succeeding after what officials described as “hectic efforts.” Their swift response helped prevent the fire from spreading to other critical parts of the complex.
In a major relief, no human casualties were reported. The Legislative Assembly premises were largely unoccupied at the time of the fire, which allowed emergency teams to focus entirely on damage control and fire suppression.
Short Circuit Suspected as Possible Cause
Though the exact cause of the fire has yet to be officially determined, preliminary findings indicate that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze. Officials are treating this as the leading cause based on initial inspection reports and witness accounts.
Official Probe Launched
A formal investigation has been initiated to identify the root cause of the fire and evaluate the structural safety of the building. Authorities have also indicated that fire safety protocols at the complex will be reviewed and possibly upgraded to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Historical Significance of the Assembly Complex
The old Jammu and Kashmir Assembly building holds deep historical and political value. Apart from being a legislative space, it houses artifacts, documents, and memorabilia tracing the political evolution of the Union Territory. The destruction of photographs and infrastructure in this fire marks a cultural setback that authorities and historians are mourning.
Public and Political Reactions
The incident has prompted strong reactions from the public and political figures alike. Concerns have been raised regarding the state of fire safety systems in key government buildings, especially those preserving historical and institutional heritage. Many are demanding stricter adherence to fire safety norms and better infrastructure maintenance.
Officials are expected to conduct a detailed damage assessment followed by a restoration plan for the damaged sections of the Assembly complex. Efforts will likely be made to digitally archive surviving photographs and documents to protect against future losses.
While the fire at the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly complex caused substantial property damage, timely intervention by emergency services ensured that no lives were lost. The incident underscores the need for upgraded electrical systems, routine safety checks, and enhanced fire preparedness in all critical government buildings.
