Fire Erupts in Bufliaz Central Market

A major fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday, June 7, 2026, in the Bufliaz Central Market located in the Surankote tehsil of Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir. The blaze, which started around 4 to 5 am, rapidly engulfed multiple commercial establishments along the Mughal Road, resulting in the complete destruction of 12 to 13 shops. Reports indicate that the affected shops were primarily constructed from wood and tin sheets, materials that allowed the flames to spread quickly through the densely packed market area known as Main Chowk.

Officials confirmed that the fire caused extensive property damage estimated in several lakhs of rupees, though no casualties or injuries were reported. Shopkeepers and residents described scenes of panic as the fire consumed goods and structures before emergency teams could fully contain it. The incident highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in commercial areas of the region where traditional building materials and close proximity of shops increase fire risks.

Geographic and Economic Context of the Affected Area

Bufliaz lies in Surankote tehsil, an administrative subdivision within Poonch district. Poonch district itself forms part of the Jammu division in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, situated near the Line of Control with Pakistan. The market sits along the historic Mughal Road, a centuries-old route that once facilitated trade and travel between the plains of Jammu and the Kashmir Valley. Today, this road continues to serve as a vital artery for local commerce, connecting remote border communities to larger markets and essential services.

Local markets like the one in Bufliaz play a central role in the economy of Surankote and surrounding areas. Traders here deal in daily necessities, textiles, hardware, and other goods that support both residents and travelers passing through the region. The loss of 13 shops represents a significant setback for these small business owners, many of whom operate family-run establishments with limited insurance coverage or reserves to rebuild quickly.

Sequence of Events During the Blaze

According to multiple accounts, the fire originated in one of the shops and spread rapidly due to the flammable nature of the structures and stored merchandise. By the time firefighting efforts began in earnest, 12 to 13 shops had already been reduced to ashes. Local residents and shopkeepers initially attempted to douse the flames using available water sources before professional teams arrived. The response involved personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Fire and Emergency Services, supported by district administration officials.

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities ruling out any immediate indication of foul play. Investigators are examining possibilities such as electrical short circuits or accidental ignition from cooking or heating equipment common in market settings. The rapid spread underscores the challenges of containing fires in older market clusters where narrow lanes and mixed-use buildings complicate access for fire tenders.

Local Response and Allegations of Delayed Action

Residents and affected traders have voiced concerns about the timeliness of the firefighting response. Some locals alleged that the delay in arrival of fire tenders allowed the blaze to gain momentum, leading to greater losses. They have renewed calls for the establishment or strengthening of dedicated fire stations closer to Surankote and other remote tehsils in Poonch district.

Poonch district already maintains fire stations in Poonch town and Surankote, with contact numbers listed on official district resources for emergency coordination. However, stakeholders argue that additional infrastructure, better equipment, and faster deployment protocols are necessary given the district's terrain and dispersed population centers. These demands reflect broader discussions about emergency preparedness in border districts where response times can be affected by distance and road conditions.

Impact on Traders and the Local Economy

The destruction of 13 shops has left several families facing immediate financial hardship. Many of the affected businesses stocked perishable or high-value inventory that was completely lost. Traders described the market as a lifeline for daily earnings, with some expressing uncertainty about how they will restart operations without prompt support.

Beyond individual losses, the incident disrupts the supply chain for goods in Surankote and nearby villages. Customers who relied on these shops for affordable essentials now face inconvenience, potentially shifting to more distant markets. The event also raises questions about the resilience of small-scale commerce in regions where formal insurance penetration remains low among small traders.

Role of District Administration and Fire Services

District authorities in Poonch, along with the Fire and Emergency Services department, mobilized quickly once the alarm was raised. Teams worked through the morning to extinguish remaining hotspots and prevent further spread. Officials have initiated a damage assessment process to document losses and facilitate any relief measures.

The Jammu and Kashmir Fire and Emergency Services maintains dedicated posts in key locations, including Surankote, to handle such incidents. Coordination between local police, revenue officials, and fire personnel forms the standard protocol for market fires. In this case, the absence of injuries allowed responders to focus entirely on containment and initial relief coordination.

Government Directions and Relief Outlook

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, has directed concerned authorities to conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and ensure appropriate compensation reaches the affected shopkeepers. Such directives align with the administration's approach to supporting citizens impacted by natural or accidental calamities in the union territory.

While specific compensation figures for this incident have not yet been announced, past practices in the region include ex-gratia payments and assistance for rebuilding through district disaster management mechanisms. Traders and their representatives are expected to submit claims detailing stock and structural losses to the revenue department for verification.

Fire Safety Challenges in Regional Markets

Markets constructed primarily with wood and tin, common in many parts of Jammu and Kashmir due to cost and availability, present inherent fire hazards. Narrow access paths, lack of modern fire suppression systems, and storage of combustible goods compound risks during peak trading hours. The Bufliaz incident serves as a reminder of the need for proactive measures such as regular safety audits, installation of fire extinguishers, and community awareness programs.

Authorities have periodically emphasized the importance of fire safety compliance in commercial areas. Recommendations often include wider lanes for emergency vehicle access, mandatory fire exits, and periodic training for shopkeepers on initial response techniques. Implementation of these measures across tehsils like Surankote could reduce the severity of future incidents.

Broader Implications for Border District Resilience

Poonch district, with its strategic location and mix of urbanizing market centers and rural settlements, faces unique challenges in emergency management. Incidents like the Bufliaz fire draw attention to the interplay between infrastructure development, regulatory oversight, and community preparedness. Strengthening local fire response capabilities not only protects livelihoods but also contributes to overall stability in the region.

Stakeholders, including trader associations and civil society groups, continue to advocate for integrated planning that combines infrastructure upgrades with capacity building. The focus remains on minimizing downtime for affected businesses and restoring normalcy to market operations as swiftly as possible.

Looking Ahead: Prevention and Preparedness Measures

In the aftermath of the fire, discussions have centered on long-term strategies to enhance market safety. These include exploring subsidies for fire-resistant construction materials, expanding the network of fire posts, and integrating digital alert systems for faster mobilization. District officials are likely to review existing contingency plans in light of this event.

Shopkeepers in Bufliaz and similar markets are encouraged to adopt basic preventive practices such as proper electrical wiring maintenance, safe storage of flammable items, and keeping emergency contact numbers readily available. Community-level drills and awareness campaigns can further empower residents to act decisively in the initial minutes of a fire outbreak.

The Bufliaz market fire, while contained without loss of life, underscores the importance of sustained investment in emergency infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir's commercial hubs. As assessments continue and relief processes unfold, the focus of all stakeholders remains on supporting recovery and building greater resilience against future hazards.

Photo by Abdelrahman Ismail on Unsplash