ISLAMABAD, May 5: Fire broke out on Margalla Hills on Sunday, destroying a vast area of forest and timber worth millions of rupees.

An official of the CDA’s environment directorate said the fire erupted on the hills at 10am in the day and continued till 6pm. After hectic efforts of eight hours, the CDA staff managed to control the blaze, he added.

The cause of the fire could not be ascertained.

The army used its two helicopters to douse the fire. A helicopter of Six Aviation of the army was also used. It was used for four hours which dropped water at nine different places on the hills.

The official said the CDA’s environment directorate also sent 72 employees to control the fire. They used five water tankers during the operation.

The incidents of fire on Margalla Hills has become a regular feature as it breaks out every year, specially during summer. In the hot season, over 100 fire incidents have so far been reported on the hills.

The CDA official said the fire-fighting staff found some utensils at the spot which showed that the fire had erupted due to cooking on the hills.