Wildfires Erupt in Malakand and Muzaffarabad Forests Amid Intense Heatwave
MALAKAND/MUZAFFARABAD:** Rising temperatures have triggered wildfires across mountainous and forested areas of Malakand and Muzaffarabad, causing significant damage to vegetation and valuable forest resources.
In Malakand, a fire that broke out on the Sangina Mountain in Batkhela Tehsil has intensified, prompting announcements from local mosques urging residents to assist in firefighting efforts.
According to police officials, mountain ranges in all three tehsils of Malakand are currently affected by the fires. The blaze has spread across Sangina Mountain in Batkhela, Jaban Mountain in Dargai, and the mountainous areas of Bayzi, Ala Dhand Dheri, and Zarkandi Tangi in Thana Tehsil, scorching large numbers of valuable trees.
Meanwhile, forest fires have also engulfed the hills surrounding Muzaffarabad.
Conservator of Forests Mir Nasir said that the extreme heat has led to naturally occurring fires in pine forests. He noted that the Forest Department is facing a severe shortage of essential firefighting equipment and is relying on traditional methods to contain the flames.
Authorities added that strong winds and difficult terrain are creating major challenges for firefighting teams, complicating efforts to bring the fires under control.
