Langate, Nov 28 (KNS): The forest fire in the upper reaches of Pothwari-Nowgam in Mawer Forest Range entered its second day on Thursday, with fire control operations continuing across the affected area. The effort is being carried out under the command of Conservator of Forests, North Kashmir Circle, Irfan Ali Shah, IFS. Teams from Langate Forest Division, Forest Protection Force, and forest ranges of Rajwar, Magam and Rafiabad are engaged in containment work.

Range Officer Mawer Sheikh Iqbal, present at the site since the outbreak, said staff remained on duty through the night to create fire lines and suppress flames. He reported that some personnel sustained injuries during operations. He stated that villagers from Puthwari Nowgam and nearby areas provided support by supplying water, clearing access routes and assisting field teams.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelArmy units from Naugam Brigade, Jammu and Kashmir Police and Fire and Emergency Services also took part in the response along with fire tenders.

Additional manpower joined overnight from DFO Langate and Forest Protection Force units to strengthen fire lines and carry out back-burning in selected zones as part of the containment plan. Shah supervised activities from the forward control point and directed officials to maintain alert until the fire is fully extinguished. He said an assessment of affected forest area and an inquiry into the cause of the fire will start after operations conclude.

The Department of Forests, Ecology and Environment, J&K, advised residents to report any sign of smoke or fire to the nearest forest office.