Heatwave triggers forest fires in Doda

Bhaderwah, June 3: Scorching weather which has gripped plains of northern India has now started showing it's effects in hilly Doda district as well. Continuous dry and hot weather is whipping up wildfires and threatening to topple temperature records.

According to reports, territorial Forest Department and Forest Protection Force in Doda district are fighting numerous wildfires, including one at Sui-gwari along National Highway 244 near Army Camp, 13 Km from Doda town and at Compartment 8 in Chirala range that has damaged several dozen Cedar and Kail trees.

DFO Bhadarwah Mohammad Ayub Khan said, "We controlled forest fire at both the places with help of FPF." DFO further said that human activities, such as discarding cigarette butts in dry forest areas and leaving forest area without extinguish the fire are a significant cause of these fires.

“Currently, the area is filled with Chir Pine, which dries up in the summer. Cigarette butts can easily ignite these dry conditions. I urge people to avoid smoking and other fire-related activities in forest areas,” he added.

The DFO also appealed nomads who are on the move towards upper reaches not to leave the area before completely extinguishing the fire.