Massive fires have erupted across six districts in Jammu and Kashmir over the past 24 hours, officials said on Monday, devastating large areas of forest land and urban regions. Despite the extensive damage, there have been no reported injuries or loss of life.
So far, the affected districts include Jammu, Udhampur, Reasi, Rajouri, Kathua, and Poonch.
In Poonch district, a fire that spread from across the Line of Control (LoC) on Sunday night triggered multiple mine explosions along the Salotri forward area. Officials said that "despite the high intensity, the fire was controlled without any loss of life."
In Reasi district, three separate forest fires occurred in the Ardhkuwari, Bidda, and Mardi areas, which have now been extinguished.
The pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine was briefly halted due to a fire in the Lambi Keri-Ardhkuwari belt.
Rajouri district saw extensive forest damage in areas such as Dungi, Grati, Bungaie, Tatapani, Kalakote, and Dhanore.
Additionally, a school shed in the Jallas area suffered damage. Fire and emergency services responded promptly, mobilising teams to contain and extinguish the flames.
In Kathua district, forest fires were reported in the Ramkote and Basholi areas.
Similarly, in the Udhampur district, massive flames erupted in the Ramnagar forest division, which has since been controlled without any casualties.
A large fire broke out in the Ragoora forest area near the outskirts of Jammu city, spreading across vast tracts of land. Officials confirmed that "the fire has been doused" and no casualties have been reported so far.
Meanwhile, teams from the NDRF, SDRF, and forest department, along with local assistance, are actively working to extinguish the flames in these forest ranges.
Locals claim that the severe smoke and pollution pose significant risks to residents, particularly children and the elderly.
Follow us
