Huge fire continues to destroy Azad Kashmir forests

The huge wild fire continued to spread in several Azad Kashmir forests for the sixth consecutive day on Thursday with the authorities battling hard to contain the blaze which so far has reduced vast swaths of the green forests to ashes, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Officials were locked in intense fire-fighting operations in the jungles of Sehansa, Paniyali, Sehar Mandi, Dongi, Samahni Khambah and Sinhot.

The massive blaze decimated vast forest land, destroying valuable trees while people living around these forests are now finding it difficult to breathe.

The local populated areas were also put on alert due to threatening forest fires which was also causing temperatures to simmer.

The AJK Forests Department has sounded alarm as it failed to completely douse the fast-spreading blaze.
Rare birds and animals, and wild life were also under constant threat from the rising flames.
The situation took a turn for the worst when a massive fire erupted in forest of Samahni Khambah Block on Eid day, which ate up a huge chunk of green land with a lightning speed.

People living in the surrounding areas were afraid to go out, though Rescue and Forest Departments teams quick to reach the site, launching operation to bring the fire under control.

The administration has warned citizens to stay away from the affected areas. However, there was no report of any injuries from these forest fires.

Reporter Zahid Bashir Chaudhry