Over 20 forest fires contained during heatwave

LAHORE:

More than 20 fires reported across the Murree and Rawalpindi forest divisions over the past four days were contained, preventing damage amid an intense heatwave, officials said on Saturday.

According to the Punjab Forests Department, fires erupted at a number of locations between May 26 and 29 due to extremely high temperatures and dry weather.

Officials said all reported fires were doused through rapid and coordinated firefighting. Among the affected areas, 35 acres of private land was damaged in Peja, Rawalpindi, 27 acres in Baroota Kahuta, 25 acres in Java Malkiyat and 20 acres each in Kamkot and Kotli Sattian.

In Murree, fires affected three acres in Charihan, four kanals near the expressway and 1.5 acres at Sher Baghla. Several incidents were also reported in Lehtrar, Sang Guzara, Kaltia Guzara, Kanel Raj and other locations in Rawalpindi district.

In Lehtrar, timely intervention ensured protection of nearly 30 acres of forest area. Other incidents included damage to 20 acres in Bahawalnagar, 15 acres in Kotli, 10 acres in Lehtrar Guzara Range, seven acres in Sang and smaller patches in Kamra, Bamlehri and adjacent private land.

A spokesperson said field teams remained on high alert during the heatwave and responded promptly to every reported fire.