A severe forest fire, which erupted Monday evening in the mountainous forests of Qila Saifullah district, northern Balochistan, continues to spread despite sustained efforts to contain it, according to officials.
Deputy Commissioner Saeed Khan Dummor reported that the fire, which ignited in the Spin Ghar forests, now spans approximately two kilometers. “Hundreds of trees and bushes have already been destroyed by the flames,” he stated.
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The Levies force quickly responded to initial reports of the blaze, mobilizing firefighting efforts. However, strong winds have significantly worsened the situation, rapidly expanding the fire across more of the area.
To bolster containment efforts, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has sent additional teams equipped with fireballs and advanced firefighting tools. Despite their active involvement, rugged terrain and harsh conditions have made the operation challenging.
Deputy Commissioner Dummor noted that a dam, located roughly 15 kilometers from the affected zone, could serve as a critical water source for aerial support. The PDMA is already initiating processes to deploy air assistance, including firefighting aircraft or helicopters, at the request of local authorities.
“We are fully committed to containing this fire,” said Mr. Dummor. “It has already caused serious harm to the region’s natural resources. Personnel from the PDMA, Levies force, and local communities are working tirelessly in our combined firefighting operations to prevent further damage.”
