A significant fire erupted in the forest range of Zabarwan hills within the Brain-Nishat range in Srinagar during the night between Sunday and Monday, officials reported. Starting on Sunday evening, the fire swiftly spread across a vast area of the forest range within the Brain unit of Zabarwan hills, prompting a joint operation by the Fire and Emergency Service, Wildlife Department, Forest Department, and Police to contain the blaze.
Fire and Emergency Service officials confirmed that while the fire was still active in a small area, firefighting teams were actively working to extinguish it. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire likely originated due to the negligence of local individuals setting bonfires for coal-making purposes in the vicinity.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, three residential houses were destroyed by a major fire in Dangiwacha-Sopore in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district overnight. Authorities attributed the cause of this fire to a gas leakage.
Forest fires have been a recurring issue in various forested regions of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly during the recent winter months, where prolonged dry spells have heightened the risk.
While the end of the dry spell and the onset of snowfall temporarily halted such incidents, the fire in the Zabarwan forests has reignited concerns.
These incidents underscore the urgent need to address the root causes of forest fires and implement measures to mitigate their occurrence. Prompt action is essential in responding to fires to minimise losses and protect valuable forest resources.
Forest fires are not unique to Jammu and Kashmir and are a concern globally. Therefore, it is imperative for authorities to adopt modern equipment and techniques to combat fires effectively.
Given the historical damage suffered by the region's forests due to factors like deforestation and smuggling, safeguarding the remaining forest cover is paramount.
Preventive measures, such as avoiding open flames, reporting suspicious activities, adhering to fire restrictions, and carefully planning outdoor activities, are crucial in preventing forest fires.
Protecting forests from further harm is a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of government agencies, local communities, and individuals living near forested areas.
By adhering to fire safety guidelines and adopting responsible practices, the threat of forest fires can be mitigated, ensuring the preservation of precious natural resources for future generations.
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