Kamraj Forest Division Holds Fire Fighting Training in Kupwara

Kupwara: The Kamraj Forest Division organised a training and capacity building programme on forest fire fighting methods at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Director’s Office in Natnussa, Kupwara, to strengthen preparedness during the prolonged dry season.

The programme focused on enhancing response mechanisms at a time when forest fires pose ecological and economic risks. Frontline officials of the Forest Department, personnel of the Forest Protection Force, members of Biodiversity Management Committees, Village Forest Committees, and representatives of non governmental organisations participated in the training.

The inaugural session began with a welcome address by the Range Officer, Kupwara, followed by remarks from the Divisional Forest Officer, Kamraj Forest Division. The DFO highlighted the increasing vulnerability of forests during extended dry spells and stressed the need for vigilance, swift response, inter agency coordination, and cooperation at the grassroots level.

The event was presided over by Mir Mohd Sulaiman, Chairman of the District Biodiversity Management Committee, Kupwara. He underlined the ecological and economic importance of forests and called for coordinated efforts between government agencies and local stakeholders to mitigate fire incidents. He also commended the department’s initiative to strengthen field level preparedness.

Technical sessions were conducted by officers from the Forest Department, Forest Protection Force, and Fire and Emergency Services. The Deputy Director, Forest Protection Force, Kupwara, outlined the force’s role in fire suppression and field coordination. The Assistant Director, Fire and Emergency Services, Kupwara, briefed participants on operational protocols and emergency response systems. Discussions covered causes and impact of forest fires, preventive strategies, institutional coordination, and the role of public participation.

A practical session included demonstrations on fire line preparation, safe handling of equipment, mitigation techniques, and coordinated response. Fire and Emergency Services personnel also demonstrated first aid and rescue procedures.

The Divisional Forest Officer distributed Forest Fire Field Manuals to frontline staff and awarded certificates to participants. The programme concluded with an interactive session and a pledge to maintain vigilance during the upcoming fire prone season.