Gurez, Dec 2: A massive forest fire in the Bagtore area near the Line of Control (LoC) in Gurez Valley has been largely contained after five days of continuous efforts, though scattered patches are still burning across the slopes, officials said on Tuesday.
They said around 90 per cent of the blaze has been brought under control, with firefighting teams continuing operations to douse the remaining flames and prevent fresh flare-ups.
The fire had broken out in Forest Compartment 32 earlier this week and spread rapidly to adjoining compartments, causing extensive damage to stretches of forest known for dense vegetation and rich biodiversity.
A large number of trees, including kail species, have been damaged, while the impact on wildlife and plant life is expected to be significant, they said.
Forest officials said the steep terrain and proximity to the LoC have posed major operational challenges. Due to security sensitivities, firefighting operations are suspended at night and resumed at first light, they added.
With no road connectivity to the affected area, the use of fire tenders has been ruled out, and the operation is being carried out manually using hand tools to cut fire lines and remove flammable material.
Forest Officer Javid Iqbal said personnel from the Forest Department, the Army, police and local volunteers are working in coordination to stop the fire from spreading deeper into the forest belt.
He said most active fire fronts have been contained and expressed hope that the remaining blaze could be subdued by the end of the day, subject to favourable weather conditions.
The full extent of damage to forest land, vegetation and wildlife will be assessed once the fire is completely extinguished, officials added.(KNS).
