Fire destroys forest on Kishk mountains in Kohlu
A fire in the dense forests of Balakot. PHOTO: EXPRESS
A huge fire erupted in a forest in the mountains of Kishk, some 20 km away from the Kohlu town, engulfing a large area on Friday.
The deputy Commissioner Kohlu confirmed the fire in the mountain forests and said that the fire has spread over at least four kilometer area. Soon after receiving information about the fire in the jungle on mountains, the quick response troops of levies and concerned officials rushed to the site despite difficult terrain to bring the fire under control.
Levies and other officials started efforts to control the huge fire and first saved the properties and human lives in the absence of forest guards.
Read Fire department in tatters
“The personnel of QRF succeeded in putting out the huge fire after hectic efforts late on Friday night,” deputy commissioner Kohlu district said.
According to reports, a large wooded area was badly affected in the forest fire as hundreds of trees and bushes were reduced to ashes.
The cause of the fire was not known so far. “A team of senior officials of forest and levies has been assigned to ascertain the cause of fire in the area,” officials said, adding that in the light of the report further action would be taken if someone was found involved in a fire incident.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 23rd, 2023.