Srinagar, Feb 21: A devastating fire engulfed three residential houses and a five-storey residential-cum-commercial building in the Malaratha area of old Srinagar city, causing massive damage to property worth crores.

Local sources said that the fire broke out in one of the houses and quickly spread, consuming the multi-storied structures. Firefighters rushed to the spot and battled the flames, eventually bringing the blaze under control.

Although no casualties have been reported, the inferno has left several families homeless and businesses in ruins. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, and police have started an investigation into the incident.

All the three residential houses damaged in the incident were three-storey structures. While another was a 5-storey residential cum commercial building housing shops and offices.

Local residents have urged authorities to provide immediate relief to the affected families, as many have lost their homes and livelihoods in the tragedy.(KNT)