Forest fires across Jammu and Kashmir destroy hutments, trigger mine blasts
A massive fire destroyed nearly two dozen temporary dwellings in Kathua district early Wednesday, leaving migrant workers homeless, while a separate forest fire in Rajouri district triggered landmine explosions along the Line of Control. The fires occurred amid a severe heatwave and prolonged dry spell affecting multiple districts in Jammu and Kashmir. The incidents highlight the growing fire hazard during summer months in the region and the vulnerability of migrant worker communities to such disasters.
A fire broke out around 4 a.m. on June 10, 2026, in a cluster of temporary hutments adjacent to a scrapyard at Maggar Khad in Kathua district's Chak Gota area, destroying nearly two dozen structures and leaving migrant workers, mostly rag-pickers from Bihar, homeless. The rapid spread was attributed to highly combustible materials used in the temporary dwellings, and while no deaths were reported, the fire destroyed household goods, clothing, utensils, three motorcycles, and other essential belongings. In a separate incident, a forest fire in Rajouri district's Keri sector triggered a series of landmine explosions along the Line of Control, with loud blasts heard from the forested area as flames spread through dry vegetation, though no casualties were reported. Forest fires were also reported from several other areas in Rajouri, Reasi, and Udhampur districts within the preceding 24 hours. Authorities attributed the increasing frequency of forest fires to rising temperatures and prolonged dry conditions during summer months.
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- The HinduCenter
Kathua fire guts two dozen hutments in J&K; forest fire sparks mine blasts in Rajouri
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