Forest fire damages trees in Sopore’s Kandi range

Sopore, Dec 14: A fire broke out in the Kandi range forest area of Rampora Rajpora in Sopore subdivision of Baramulla district on Sunday evening, causing damage to a significant number of trees and triggering concern among locals and forest authorities.

According to reports, the fire mysteriously erupted in forest compartment number 35 of the Rampora Rajpora forests. Soon after the incident was reported, teams of the Forest Department rushed to the spot to contain the blaze.

Confirming the incident, a Forest Department official said the fire had engulfed a large portion of forest compartment 35 and that several trees are feared to have been damaged due to the flames. He said coordinated efforts were immediately launched to douse the fire, with teams from the Fire and Emergency Services Department, the Forest Department and the Forest Protection Force actively engaged in the operation.

“Timely intervention helped in bringing the fire under control and prevented it from spreading to adjoining forest compartments,” the official said.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, and authorities have initiated an assessment to evaluate the extent of damage to forest resources.

Meanwhile, forest officials have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and avoid activities that could trigger forest fires, particularly during the ongoing dry season.