8 houses gutted in devastating fire in Indian-controlled Kashmir

At least eight residential houses were gutted in a devastating fire in Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said Sunday. The fire broke out at Shahabad locality of Sopore town, about 55 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian- controlled Kashmir. However, no loss of life or injury to any person was reported in the inferno, police said. "Today eight residential houses were gutted in a devastating fire at Sopore last night," said a police spokesman. "Fire broke out in the residential house of Abdul Qayoom Sheikh and engulfed the adjacent residential houses before fire tenders could reach spot." The cause of the fire was stated to be electric short circuit. According to officials, fire tenders and fire-fighters were pressed into service to douse the flames and bring fire under control. The local administration said they were making assessment of loss. The Fire and Emergency Services department officials say chances of fire in the region increase as households store various types of fuel.