Amid dry spell, massive fire engulfs Zabarwan forest

Srinagar, Feb 26: A massive forest fire broke out in the Zabarwan forest range along the Nishat-Brein belt, sending towering flames across the hills and lighting up the skyline.

The blaze was visible from vast areas, as dry grass and shrubs burnt relentlessly, causing panic among residents living along the foothills. Locals said the glow of fire cutting through the evening darkness was a grim reminder of the growing frequency of such incidents in recent months.

A local resident from Ishber Nishat said the fire was spotted shortly after people broke their fast and stepped out to offer evening prayers. “We saw flames rising from the mountain and smoke spreading fast. It was a frightening sight. These fires have become frequent due to a lack of precipitation, and it is heartbreaking because this range is rich in flora and fauna,” Umar Mir, a local, said.

Environmentalists have repeatedly flagged that the ongoing fires are not only destroying grass and trees but also posing a serious threat to wildlife habitats in the Zabarwan range, known for its biodiversity.

Meanwhile, residents living in Nishat and Brein expressed concern that the fire could spread further if winds pick up, especially given the dry conditions across the region. “The grass is extremely dry, and even a small spark can turn into a large fire. We fear for wildlife and also for areas downhill if the fire moves,” another local said.

When contacted, officials from the Fire and Emergency Services said they had received information about the fire, but accessing the site was a major challenge. “The area is at a high altitude and non-motorable, beyond the reach of fire tenders. At present, there is no direct access for vehicles,” an official said. He added that in recent times, several forest fires have been reported across the range and, in some instances, firefighters had trekked several kilometres on foot to reach such locations and douse the flames.

Senior officials have meanwhile reiterated advisories urging people, especially trekkers and visitors venturing into forest areas, to exercise extreme caution. They warned against lighting campfires or leaving any fire source unattended, stressing that dry weather conditions continue to accelerate the risk of forest fires, putting the fragile ecosystem of the Zabarwan range in grave danger.