J-K: Massive fire destroys green belt in Doda district

A massive fire that started last night in the forest range of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir has engulfed a large portion of the forest.

The fire that broke out 6-km away from district headquarter Doda in Galginder forest area near Pull Dodain Range of Doda Forest Division has destroyed a large number of pine trees, a forester said.

While talking to media, Range Officer Kelaar Aftab Ahmed said, "Fire broke out in Pull Doda forest area in Doda district last night around 10:30 pm. A team of forest officials along with workers of the department immediately rushed the spot and started to douse the fire. We are trying our best to extinguish the fire and have so far succeeded 90 per cent."

"The authorities had a tough time tackling the situation as there is no scope for fire emergency to reach the spot due to non-connectivity of road. However, the reason of the fire engulfing is not yet confirmed. It may be the pine forest areas are vulnerable to fire this season. Sudden rise in temperature might have resulted in fire," he said.