"Prompt and speedy response of #IndianArmy saved many lives and infrastructure, when massive forest fire broke near #DeraKiGali and endangered Civil and Army Infrastructure. With coordinated and synergistic efforts of civ agencies and security forces fire was brought under control in #DeraKiGali," PRO (Public Relations Officer) Defence Jammu said in a post on 'X'.
In a short video clip of the operation shared by The PRO Defence, defence personnel were seen engaged in dousing the flames.
According to The Kashmir Observer, The number of forest fire incidents in the valley has significantly increased in recent weeks, forcing officials to put personnel and equipment on high alert. In Kashmir, there have been at least 15 recorded forest fire occurrences in the last two weeks.
According to Srinagar-based independent Weather Forecaster, Faizan Arif Keng, the rise of forest fire incidents in J&K can be traced back to the prolonged absence of precipitation. “Over the last 40 days, no active Western Disturbance has affected the region, resulting in a dry atmosphere. This extended dry spell has deprived the vegetation of essential moisture, leaving it highly susceptible to ignition,” he explained to The Kashmir Observer.
On the basis of the study, the Jammu region has the highest incidence of fire events in three extremely vulnerable divisions: Jammu, Nowshera, and Reasi. The division of Bandipora in the Kashmir area has the highest frequency of forest fires.
In a separate incident, a massive fire that started earlier in December destroyed crores of rupees worth of forest value in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh's Patlikuhal forest area. Large flames of fire were seen erupting out of the forest area.
