CHITRAL: The fire erupted near Chitral Gol National Park was extinguished before it reached the park area here on Tuesday afternoon.

An official of Chitral Gol National Park wildlife division told this scribe that some grass shrubs caught fire in the locality known as Khaman Kuru near Thingshen village in the vicinity of the park and started spreading due to strong wind.

More than 15 personnel of the national park rushed to the spot and brought it under control after hectic efforts of one hour. The affected area is estimated at 100 to 120 square feet covered by Ravenna grass. The dried leaves of grass are known for ignition even with slight heat.

Regarding the cause of the fire, the official said that exact reason was yet to be ascertained but as per preliminary investigations, it transpired that some of the villagers going on picnic to the park must have thrown a burning match stick there after lighting cigarette or have thrown a piece of cigarette without completely extinguishing it.

He said that in the summer season, the local young men usually went to the core zone of the park on picnic and returned after passing nights there while the wildlife tended to go to the higher altitude of the park which was more congenial for them than the lower parts of the park.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2018