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 in Thaleela forest in Chirala Range of Bhadarwah Forest Division has destroyed a large number of pine trees, a forest officer said.
"The pine forest is vulnerable to fire this season, either due to the sudden rise in temperature or when some grazers deliberately throw cigarette butts on the dry grass, resulting in fire," Divisional Forest Officer Bhaderwah TP Singh said.
He said a team of 27 officials and workers of the department is busy dousing the fire since last night.
"We are trying our best to contain the fire and have so far succeeded in stopping it from spreading to the adjoining areas," Singh said.
