Karnah, Kupwara: A massive fire broke out in the forests of Karnah’s Krano area, compartment number 30, injuring two local residents who were trying to extinguish the blaze. The injured individuals have been identified as Jameel Ahmad, son of the late Shabir Ahmad Sheikh, and Jafar Mir, son of Yusuf Mir, both residents of Chanipora Bala.
The incident occurred while locals, along with forest department officials, were working to contain the fire and prevent its spread. However, the efforts faced significant challenges due to a severe shortage of staff in the Karnah subdivision. A forest official stated, “Our workforce is insufficient, so we had to rely on help from local residents. The dry weather has further complicated the situation.”
According to the official, the fire was exacerbated by the ongoing dry spell in the region, which has increased the frequency of such incidents. “Dry leaves and twigs in the forest fueled the flames, and the lack of manpower made it necessary to involve locals in the firefighting efforts,” he explained.
The residents of the area have lauded the bravery of the injured individuals and forest officials while expressing concerns over the shortage of staff. They urged the government to deploy more personnel in the Karnah subdivision to prevent such incidents in the future. “These people risked their lives to save the forest. We are proud of their courage, but their safety is at risk due to inadequate staffing,” a local resident remarked.
The forest department has appealed to the public to exercise caution in forested areas and to report any signs of fire to the authorities promptly. The Karnah Range Officer emphasized that the department is fully mobilized and is utilizing the services of local residents to mitigate the damage. “Our goal is to minimize harm to the trees and the forest,” he said.
This incident highlights the urgent need for improved resources and manpower to protect the region’s valuable forests and ensure the safety of those involved in firefighting efforts.
