Srinagar, Feb 09: Range Officer Pampore Dr Muneesa Banday on Sunday said that Pampore forest range has witnessed nearly 25 fire incidents in recent weeks due to unusually dry conditions and a lack of snowfall.
She said that an unfortunate fire incident occurred in Khanmoh on Saturday, adding that the dry climate and lack of snowfall have made the forests in Pampore highly vulnerable to fires.
She said that Pampore range has very dry vegetation, making it easy for fires to spread, especially if people visiting the forest do not take precautions. In the past week alone, 10 to 15 cases of forest fires have been reported.
She also said that despite the challenges, the joint control room and block-level staff are actively working to contain the fires.
She further said that in the Khanmoh fire, the forest department was the first to reach the site, followed by the Wildlife Department and the Forest Protection Force.
She said that as the fire worsened, the SDRF team was also called in, and by morning, the fire was brought under control. People must take precautions when entering forested areas, she added.
She said that helpline numbers have been activated for people to report any fire incidents or suspicious activities.
She further said that one person has already been caught and an FIR has been lodged against him adding that the legal process will now take its course to ensure strict punishment.
Around 20 fire incidents have occurred recently due to dry conditions and the impact of climate change, as there has been little snowfall this winter, she added.
She said an advisory had already been issued, warning that fire incidents would peak in January and February.
Dr Muneesa said that while some fires are caused by human negligence, natural causes such as falling stones creating sparks can also ignite dry grass. Pampore has witnessed nearly 25 fire incidents, and the forest department teams have been working tirelessly day and night to control them.
