Resunga forest fires out of control
Resunga forest fires out of control
13 April 2013
published by www.thehimalayantimes.com
Nepal — Despite continuous efforts to contain, the massive forest fires in Resunga area of the district continued their rage on Saturday also. About 1800 hectares of the forest has already been scorched, according to the District Forest Office.
Personnel from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police, and local stakeholders and general public are struggling to fight the wildfire. In a futile effort, locals tried to douse the fire with water that they carried in traditional gagris and buckets also.
The fire broke out from a slope in Dubichaur VDC on Wednesday. It was briefly brought under control yesterday afternoon. However, it erupted from other sites after a couple of hours.
The fires at the popular pilgrimage site have shown no sign of quelling till this evening.
Chief District Officer Kabindra Nepal, DSP Gurubishnu Kafle and other security officials have gathered at Resunga to take stock of the firefighting measures.
According to the security personnel, the fire went out of control owing to the pine trees that produce highly inflammable resin, and dry and decaying leaves in the surface.
Meanwhile, they personnel are trying to save a cowshed in the forest area. The facility houses over 170 cattle.
