Kathua fire destroys two dozen huts in J&K; forest fire triggered explosions in Rajouri mines
Forest fires broke out at several places in the district due to prevailing heat wave and prolonged drought in Rajouri on June 10, 2026. | Photo credit: ANI
A massive fire reduced nearly two dozen shacks to ashes in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district early Wednesday (June 10, 2026), leaving several migrant workers homeless and causing extensive damage to household property, officials said.
The fire broke out in a cluster of temporary dwellings adjacent to a scrap yard at Maggar Khad in Chak Gota area of the district around 4 am and spread rapidly due to highly flammable materials used in the structures, officials said. They said fire and rescue personnel with the help of locals started a firefighting operation and brought the flames under control.
While no loss of life was reported, the fire destroyed household items, clothes, utensils, three motorcycles and other essential items belonging to the migrant workers, mostly ragpickers from Bihar, officials said.
Recalling the moments when the fire engulfed her house, one of the victims, Anita Devi, said: “We were sleeping when the fire broke out. Before we realized what was happening, the flames spread quickly.” She said people were able to get all of her family members out safely, but all of their belongings were destroyed. “Now we have nothing left but the clothes we wore when we fled our home,” she said, appealing for government assistance and community support to rebuild their livelihoods.
In a separate incident, a forest fire in Rajouri district triggered a series of landmine explosions along the Line of Control in the Keri sector. Officials said loud explosions were heard from the wooded area as the fire spread through the dry vegetation, but there were no casualties. Security forces and civil authorities were closely monitoring the situation while firefighting teams worked to bring the flames under control, officials said.
Forest fires were also reported from several other areas in Rajouri, Reasi and Udhampur districts in the last 24 hours, officials said. Forest fires are becoming more common in Jammu during the summer months due to rising temperatures and prolonged dry conditions. Authorities urged people to be cautious and avoid activities that could start fires in vulnerable forest areas.
Published – 10 Jun 2026 17:05 IST