Srinagar- A major fire that broke out at a three-storey residential-cum-commercial building housing Mir Sales Corporation, a blanket-selling unit in Karan Nagar area of Srinagar, was brought under control around 5:30 am on Sunday, while cooling operations continued, officials said.

The building, located opposite Medicare Hospital in Karan Nagar, caught fire late Saturday night, prompting the precautionary evacuation of patients from the nearby hospital, reported news agency KNO.

Officials said that 12 fire stations and around 20 fire tenders were deployed to contain the blaze.

The firefighting operation involved Bronto skylifts, foam tenders, fire cans, Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) and Advanced Rescue Teams (ARTs), they said.

Officials said cooling operations continued due to the large quantity of cotton and other combustible material stored inside the building.

Meanwhile, videos showing Srinagar Police personnel assisting in the evacuation of patients from Medicare Hospital surfaced on social media, with the police team receiving appreciation for its prompt response.

The cause of the fire and the extent of damage were yet to be ascertained, officials said, adding that an investigation was underway.

Meanwhile, IGP Kashmir praised Srinagar Police for their support to the firefighting teams. “Well done, Team Srinagar! District Police Srinagar has extended full support to the firefighting teams in controlling the fire at Medicity Hospital, Karan Nagar,” the IGP said.

He also lauded the coordination, prompt response and commendable efforts of all personnel involved.