Forest fires ravage Palpa: 700+ hectares destroyed
The Divisional Forest Office reported that 36 forests have been affected, with daily fires continuing.
KATHMANDU: Recent forest fires in Palpa district, Nepal, have destroyed over 700 hectares of government and community forests.
The Divisional Forest Office reported that 36 forests have been affected, with daily fires continuing.
One firefighter died while extinguishing the blaze, and 16 homes and sheds were lost.
Narayandev Bhattarai, head of the Forest Office, stated that controlling the fires is difficult due to dry weather and strong winds.
Affected areas include Tinau, Ribdikot, Bagnaskali, Tansen, and Rainadevi Chhahara.
Efforts to protect communities remain a priority.
Thakur Gaire, Member of Parliament, criticized individual negligence and called for legal action against those responsible for starting the fires.
Bhairab Bahadur Rana suggested investigating fire origins, while Mohan Kafle, Lumbini Province’s Forest Secretary, emphasized that 96% of fires are human-caused and urged awareness.
In the previous year, 400+ fire incidents were recorded, with 40 homes and sheds destroyed.
The Forest Office has launched awareness campaigns and firebreak construction to mitigate risks.
86 community forests in Palpa are currently at high risk.
