Kulgam, Jan 17: South Kashmir’s Kulgam district faces the destructive consequences of a prolonged dry spell as a raging wildfire sweeps through multiple forest areas. Two employees sustained injuries during the intense firefighting operation, yet significant progress has been made, with the blaze successfully contained to 70 percent in these regions, officials said.
According to Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kulgam, Syed Wasim Gull, the fire engulfed areas such as Khull, Zadru, Ringath, Nagnard, Chimmer, Banimulla, and others. The department has been working tirelessly throughout the day and late into the evening to extinguish the fire.
“The dry spell has taken a massive toll, and the department is on its toes to respond promptly to these fire incidents. The dry spell has caused conifer needles to fall, acting as fuel. Charcoal making nearby forest areas may be another reason for the fires and other factors,” he said.
He said, two employees have been injured during the operation, identified as Farooq Ahmad Khan and Ashiq Hussain Zargar from Kulgam. “We shifted them to the hospital, and they have received injuries and are out of danger,” he said.
The DFO said, we have employed public addressing systems and social media to encourage people to cooperate with the department, ensuring the protection of our green gold. We are grateful that people have demonstrated cooperation.
“In the Chimmer side, the fire was massive, and we contacted the administration. They provided us SDRF personnel and employees of social forestry, FPF, territorial, locals, and volunteers who are all on the job to completely extinguish the fire,” he said.
He said, the department and volunteers are putting in significant efforts to bring the fire under control. The bushes amid the dry spell make it a deadly fire. Currently, the forest fire is under control.
“We have established fire lines and firebreaks to prevent its further spread. In the chilling weather, the operation gets halted late, and the rugged terrain makes it hectic,” DFO said.
The mopping exercise, creation of fire lines, and proper monitoring are essential components of the ongoing firefighting efforts, which will continue, he added.
