Forest fires across Kashmir as high-speed winds fan flames

Srinagar, Jan 23: High-velocity winds reaching up to 84 km per hour triggered multiple forest fires across north, south, and central Kashmir on Thursday night.

The fires were reported from Anantnag, Kulgam, and Pulwama districts in south Kashmir; Budgam in central Kashmir; and Baramulla in north Kashmir.

Officials said timely rainfall and snowfall helped prevent the flames from spreading further.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) for Anantnag and Kulgam, Muhammad Ashraf Katoo, said forest fires broke out at several locations in the twin districts, causing extensive damage to forest resources.

ìFire incidents were reported at five locations in Kulgam ñ Manzmoh-Qazigund, Brinar-Lamar Devsar, Pranhal, Akhal, and Thathoo-Kund (Compartment No 42) – causing massive damage to green cover,î Katoo said.

He said forest employees, assisted by local volunteers, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Police struggled to control the fires due to strong winds.

ìThe fires also ravaged forests in Verinag and Rian-Arthar areas of Kokernag, where flames spread rapidly because of high-velocity winds,î Katoo said.

He said that strenuous firefighting efforts, combined with rainfall, eventually helped extinguish the fires.

In Pulwama district, a forest fire broke out in the Gothar Kadal area but was later brought under control, an official said.

Another major fire erupted in the Kandajan forest area of Pakherpora, in central Kashmirís Budgam, where teams from the Forest Department, Fire and Emergency Services, and Police battled harsh weather conditions to contain the blaze.

In north Kashmirís Baramulla district, several forest fires were reported in different areas of Uri sub-division, resulting in extensive damage to forest resources.

ìThe fires destroyed large patches of trees, shrubs, and other valuable vegetation, posing a serious threat to the local ecosystem,î an official said.

Officials said dry weather conditions and strong winds contributed to the rapid spread of flames, complicating firefighting efforts.

Forest officials, along with local volunteers, worked to prevent the fires from reaching nearby habitations.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the winds up to 100 km per hour in Pir Panjalís Poonch district and 60 km per hour to 84 km per hour in several areas of Kashmir were reported before the rains and snow.

Authorities said a prolonged dry spell in December and January led to a rise in forest fire incidents.

More than 350 forest fires have been reported so far this season, from March through January, fewer than last year, officials said.

ìWith the current wet spell, the incidents have largely been brought under control and are expected to halt for some time,î an official said.