More than 20 forest fires contained during heatwave

ISLAMABAD: More than 20 fires reported in the Murree and Rawalpindi forest divisions over the past four days were brought under control, officials said on Saturday, as intense heat and dry weather triggered blazes at multiple locations.

According to the Punjab Forests Department, the fires broke out between May 26 and 29. Officials said all of the reported incidents were extinguished through a rapid and coordinated response, preventing wider damage.

Among the affected areas, 35 acres of private land were damaged in Peja, Rawalpindi, 27 acres in Baroota Kahuta, 25 acres in Java Malkiyat and 20 acres each in Kamkot and Kotli Sattian. In Murree, the fires affected three acres in Charihan, four kanals near the expressway and 1.5 acres at Sher Baghla.

Several other incidents were reported in Lehtrar, Sang Guzara, Kaltia Guzara, Kanel Raj and other locations in Rawalpindi district. The department said timely action in Lehtrar helped protect nearly 30 acres of forest land. Other losses included 20 acres in Bahawalnagar, 15 acres in Kotli, 10 acres in Lehtrar Guzara Range, seven acres in Sang and smaller patches in Kamra, Bamlehri and adjoining private land. A department spokesperson said field teams remained on high alert during the heatwave and responded promptly to every reported fire.