Fires in Bhutan
Firesin Bhutan
04January 2006
Fire destroys about 200 acres of coniferous forest
03 January 2006
Source: http://www.kuenselonline.com
The first forest fire of the year, one of the largest that Thimphu dzongkhag had seen, destroyed more than 200 acres of coniferous forest, according to the forestry officials.
Heavy smoke from the fire covers the afternoon sun The fire was still raging as of 6 pm today
Personnel from Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bhutan Police, Royal Body Guards, volunteers from the neighbouring area, and the forestry officials were battling the flames since this afternoon.
According to the divisional forest officer, Lobzang Dorji, the fire had started from above the sewage tank in Babesa at about 11:30am.
Though it is very difficult to see or even breath, we are trying to fight the fire from different directions, he said.
By today evening Lobzang Dorji said that it was more difficult and risky for the fire fighters to continue. We intend to continue in the morning when the wind stops, he said.
The cause and the full extent of the damage is yet to be known.
By Kesang Dema
kesang64@kuensel.com.bt
