Major forest fire put out in Uri

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 29 A major fire was put out by authorities and locals during overnight operations in the Bijhama forest area of Uri in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
Wildlife Warden Lacchipora, Syed Suhail told Excelsior that a major fire engulfed the forest area of Bijhama and damaged a large grassland area.
He said that the officials along with teams of the Forest Department, Wildlife Department, Army, and police immediately launched a firefighting operation. “The operation was completed at 3 a.m. today,” he said.
The official said that the exact cause of the fire has not been determined but ongoing dry weather is a contributing factor.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had earlier issued a warning about a very high risk of forest fires in Jammu and Kashmir. “Very high forest fire risk is likely to occur over forest areas in J&K in the next seven days. In case of emergency, dial 112,” the advisory stated, with the warning valid until 11 am on January 30.
In the meantime, the army said that soldiers of Army’s Chinar corps in coordination with the Fire and Emergency Services extinguished the massive forest fire in the upper reaches of Baramulla district.
Army on X said that on January 28, a massive forest fire broke out in the upper reaches of Bijhama, Baramulla in North Kashmir.
“In coordination with Fire & Emergency Services and local police, Chinar Warriors rescue team through relentless efforts and expertise, was able to control the blaze before it could spread to nearby villages thus avoiding potential loss of life and property”, Army’s Chinar Corps said.