BATKHELA: Forest fires that erupted in several mountainous areas of Malakand district continued to rage for a second consecutive day on Saturday, as strong winds and intense heat hampered efforts to bring the blaze under control.
According to sources, fires that broke out in the mountainous regions of Meekh Band, Sangina and Ala Dhand Dheri in Batkhela tehsil were still burning at multiple locations. Personnel of Malakand Levies, Rescue 1122 and local residents remained engaged in firefighting efforts, but difficult terrain, soaring temperatures and strong winds made containment challenging.
The fires engulfed large swathes of forestland, causing extensive damage to valuable trees and wildlife. However, authorities managed to extinguish a separate wildfire that had broken out in the Jaban mountain area of Dargai.
Deputy Commissioner, Malakand, Fayyaz Khan Sherpao told The News that an investigation had been launched and a case would be registered against those responsible for setting the fire on the mountain.
In Sangina, the residents and rescue teams continued joint efforts to contain the blaze, but had achieved little success due to the intensity of the fire.
Residents and social circles urged the relevant authorities to take immediate and effective measures to prevent further destruction of forests and protect the area’s natural resources.
