Forest fire in Haatiban, Dakshinkali, remains uncontrolled (photos)
Fire engines and water tankers have been deployed, but the fire persists.
KATHMANDU: A massive forest fire that broke out in Haatiban, Dakshinkali Municipality-4, on Wednesday evening remains out of control.
The bushfire started at around 4 last evening, said Mohan Basnet, Mayor of Dakshinkali Municipality.
According to him, although efforts were made to put out the fire, it could not be completely contained.
The fire has spread to the forest area at the Municipality’s Ward Nos 4, 3 and 1 so far, and it has destroyed more than 30 hectares of forest.
Efforts to contain the blaze continue, with personnel from the Area Police Office, Pharping, city police, Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and the Armed Police Force (APF) working alongside locals.
Fire engines and water tankers have been deployed, but the fire persists.
Authorities suspect the fire may have been started by locals, as burning is commonly used in the area to produce fertilizer for farming.
“The forest fire has been brought under control to some extent compared to the previous day. But the risk of it spreading further still remains due to the burnt tree stubs,” Mayor Basnet said.
However, the likelihood of the fire spreading to human settlement is negated as the road separates it from the forest area. Mayor Basnet said the fire started from Bansbari area at Ward No. 4 of the municipality.
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