LoC Gurez Forest Fire Contained, Authorities on High Alert | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: A major forest fire that erupted near the Line of Control in Gurez on the night of November 28 has been successfully contained, officials said.

District Forest Officer Bandipora, Waseem Farooq, said the blaze, which spread across ground vegetation, was brought under control after a coordinated overnight operation involving multiple agencies. JK Forest Department teams rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information about the fire.

Waseem said the operation required support from the Indian Army, the Forest Protection Force, the District Disaster Management Unit, and officers of the local administration in Gurez.

“By yesterday evening, we managed to fully control the fire. This morning, our teams are carrying out mopping operations to ensure no burning patches are left,” the DFO said.

He said the range officer is assessing the extent of damage. “These fires in JK are typically ground-level bush fires. They rarely damage standing trees but can affect soil-level vegetation,” he added.

Waseem said that many forest fires in temperate regions like Gurez are triggered by unattended flames left behind by grazers who set small fires to keep warm during harsh cold spells.

He said the district remains vulnerable due to the ongoing dry weather but added that field staff is responding efficiently. “Given the dry spell, our frontline teams are doing commendable work at all levels,” he said.

Authorities have urged residents and grazers to avoid lighting fires in forest areas and to immediately report any suspicious smoke or fire incidents. (KNS)