Gorakhnath Community Forest fire spreads to Chisapani Community Forest

KATHMANDU: A devastating wildfire that broke out in the Gorakhnath Community Forest in Bethanchok Municipality-3, Bolde, remains uncontrolled.

The fire, which started at 11 PM on Sunday, has spread rapidly, reaching as far as Chisapani Community Forest, according to Ward Chairperson Kuber Dhakal of Bethanchok-3.

Dhakal reported that the fire has prompted a coordinated response from the Nepal Police, Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, Division Forest Office, and Forest User Committees, all of whom have been informed about the incident.

On Monday, teams from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force were dispatched to conduct anti-firing operations in the human settlement areas of Hurka Bhanjyang to prevent the fire from reaching residential areas.

Despite these efforts, the settlement remains at risk.

Dhakal explained that the fire could not be fully controlled due to strong winds, which continue to fuel its spread.

“The wind is blowing excessively, and we have not been able to control the fire in the forest,” Dhakal said. “Although anti-firing measures have protected the settlement for now, the situation remains precarious.”

He further urged locals to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions, as the area is experiencing severe drought and water shortages, making firefighting efforts extremely challenging.

The fire has already caused significant damage to about 7 hectares of the 193-hectare Gorakhnath Community Forest.

Initially spreading from Bolde, it has now reached as far as Harkabhanjyang.

Dhakal also warned that, given the strong winds, the fire could spread further, threatening nearby areas such as Thalidanda, Chyalt, and Narayansthan.

The popular tourist destination, Gajaram Mountain, located on the border between Ward No. 3 and Ward No. 5, is also at risk of being affected by the blaze.

According to local resident Kamal Nepal, the smoke from the fire has reached nearby settlements, causing severe discomfort. “The air is thick with smoke, making it difficult to breathe and causing eye irritation,” Nepal shared.

This is not the first fire to impact the area. Earlier, in the first week of Magh, wildfires ravaged three community forests in Bethanchok Municipality.

After struggling to bring the fire under control, helicopters were deployed to protect the human settlements.

It took nearly six days to fully extinguish the fires in the affected forests.

The ongoing wildfire continues to pose a significant threat to both the environment and local communities, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced firefighting capabilities and preventive measures in the region.