A large fire broke out in the forests of Karnah’s Krano area, specifically in compartment number 30, injuring two local residents who tried to put out the flames. The injured individuals are Jameel Ahmad, son of the late Shabir Ahmad Sheikh, and Jafar Mir, son of Yusuf Mir, both from Chanipora Bala.
The fire started while locals and forest department officials were working together to control it and stop it from spreading. However, their efforts were made difficult by a serious lack of staff in the Karnah area. A forest official explained, “We don’t have enough workers, so we had to ask local residents for help. The dry weather has made things worse.”
The ongoing dry conditions in the region have increased the chances of such fires, with dry leaves and twigs in the forest fueling the flames. The official mentioned that the shortage of manpower made it necessary to involve local people in fighting the fire.
Residents have praised the bravery of the injured individuals and the forest officials but are worried about the lack of staff. They are urging the government to send more workers to the Karnah area to prevent similar 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 because of not enough staff,” said a local resident in an interview with a news agency.
In response to the fire, the forest department has asked the public to be careful in forested areas and to report any signs of fire to the authorities right away. The Karnah Range Officer stated that the department is fully mobilized and is using the help of local residents to reduce the damage. “Our goal is to protect the trees and the forest,” he said.
This incident highlights the urgent need for more resources and staff to protect the region’s valuable forests and ensure the safety of those fighting fires. As the community comes together to tackle the blaze, the call for more government support remains important.