Incidents of forest fires in the areas of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri Forest Division have increased this summer season compared to last year, according to officials.
Balwant Singh, Assistant Director of the Forest Protection Force in Rajouri, reported eight incidents of forest fires in the area to date.
“This time, the number of forest fire incidents reported is more than those reported in the same period last year. The summer season is at its peak, and hence we are seeing such forest fires. To date, eight incidents have taken place,” Singh stated.
He added that the department has established fire control rooms at different locations in the area to ensure accessibility for prompt response.
“Our staff reach the site timely. We have made fire control rooms at different locations to ensure accessibility. We are alert and taking action actively for the safety of the forest area,” Singh emphasized.
Singh explained that when the preceding year experiences fewer forest fires, the following year tends to have more forest fires due to the accumulation of pine needles, which are highly flammable.
