Kishtwar, Jan. 2, 2026 — A fire triggered by an LPG cylinder blast gutted several houses in a remote Chenab-region village of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, leaving at least two people injured, officials said Friday.
The fire broke out late Thursday in a house at Thachna village in the Dachhan area and quickly spread to nearby homes, officials said. Firefighting teams, assisted by local residents, launched a joint operation to control the blaze.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Sharma said four to five houses were damaged in the incident and there was no loss of life.
“Two persons engaged in firefighting efforts suffered injuries and were provided first aid,” Sharma said, adding that the fire was brought under control after several hours.
However, local reports suggested the damage may be more extensive, with claims that around 20 houses were affected and four people injured. Officials said a detailed assessment of losses is underway.
Fire tenders were rushed to the remote area, while LPG cylinders from nearby houses were removed as a precaution to prevent the fire from spreading further, officials said.
The district administration has provided tents and other relief material to affected families. Authorities said compensation and rehabilitation measures would be finalised after the damage assessment.
The houses damaged in the fire belonged to Liaqat Mir, Bashir Ahmed, Alfa Mir and Jibran Mir, officials said.
Political leaders across party lines expressed concern over the incident. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah directed the district administration to ensure immediate relief and assistance to the affected families. National Conference MP Sajad Kitchloo and Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hamid Karra also called for urgent relief and rehabilitation, citing harsh winter conditions.