Massive fire reduces trees to ashes

Firefighters failed to put out blaze due to the inaccessibility of water, rocky landscape

HARIPUR:

A large number of trees were burnt to ashes when a fire broke out in the Suraj Gali mountains in Khanpur on Friday.

Rescue 1122 firefighter teams from Haripur and Khanpur rushed to the scene but struggled to contain the blaze due to the darkness and challenging terrain. According to rescue authorities, firefighting efforts are underway; however, the teams are facing significant difficulties due to the inaccessibility of water and the rugged landscape.

Shanties gutted in fire

Dozens of huts burnt to ashes on Range Road in the Cantt area on Friday. Fortunately, no casualties were reported due to the quick actions of residents. Rescue 1122 firefighters worked tirelessly for an hour to contain the blaze.

According to a Rescue 1122 spokesperson, strong winds intensified the fire, presenting significant challenges for firefighters as they battled long flames and thick smoke. The construction materials used in the slums, particularly the tarpaulin, along with petrol stored for generators, were key factors that fueled the fire's intensity.

Despite these challenges, the firefighters sprayed water from the opposite side of the wind to control the blaze. The fire has left dozens of families without shelter, and their valuable belongings have been reduced to ashes.