Srinagar, Feb 16 (KNO): The massive forest fire erupted at multiple places across the Valley on Sunday while as the experts here have attributed the rise in forest fire incidents to both climatic factors and human negligence.
An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a massive fire broke out in Tral forests.
He said that a forest fire broke out in Pinglish area of Tral area and has spread to other areas as well.
Another official told KNO that forest fire also broke out in Dadoo Marhama area of South Kashmir's Anantnag district.
Officials said that they are making every effort to douse off the flames at an earliest.
A massive forest fire also erupted in Kunan village of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district this evening, prompting officials and emergency teams to rush to the spot.
Locals told KNO that the fire spread rapidly, engulfing vast stretches of forest land and raising concerns among residents residing nearby the area.
“Thick plumes of smoke were visible from a distance,” they said.
Meanwhile, the administration has deployed teams to contain the blaze, while local volunteers have joined efforts to prevent further damage.
“As of now, the extent of the destruction remains unknown," an official said.
He said that they were assessing the situation and firefighting operations were underway.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, though dry conditions in the forests may have contributed to its spread.
Experts attribute the rise in forest fires to both climatic factors and human negligence.
The ongoing dry spell has left forests more susceptible to fires and many fire incidents have been reported in recent past—(KNO)