Amid the ongoing heatwave across the country, a massive forest fire has broken out at several locations in the Rajouri Forest Division.
Teams from the Forest Department, Forest Protection Force, Social Forestry Department and local volunteers have been deployed in extensive firefighting operations to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading into dense forest areas.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Rajouri Naveed Iqbal said the fire had spread across multiple areas of the division.
“We have personally visited two locations; this is our third. Besides, reports have come in from one or two other locations where teams have already been deployed. We hope to bring the fire under control and minimise the damage,” Iqbal said.
Iqbal said rising temperatures and prolonged dry weather conditions were believed to be the primary reasons behind the sudden outbreak of fires at multiple locations.
“Rising temperatures and a dry spell are leading to several fire incidents. Whenever the department receives information about such incidents, we immediately deploy staff. They work alongside local residents to control the fire and minimise potential damage,” Iqbal said.
Authorities have appealed to the public to avoid activities that could trigger forest fires. Iqbal also urged people to immediately report any smoke or fire incidents to nearby officials.
