SWABI: The Karamar Mountain fire, which broke out three days ago, is spreading towards nearby Karnal Sher Khan Cadet College as two firefighters were injured in the struggle to douse the blaze on Saturday.

Keeping in view the intensity of fire and the pace with which it was spreading the district administration also called the fire brigade staffers from Nowshera, Buner and Peshawar.

The firefighters of Swabi district, Gadoon Amazai Industrial Estate, Tarbela Dam and Mardan district were already in action to accomplish the task.

The local people, meanwhile, said that the only option to control the fire was to call helicopters because it was difficult for the firefighters to reach to top of the mountain.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rescue 1122 director general Khateer Ahmad also reached the Karamar region and supervised the ongoing operation. He encouraged the firefighters and guided them on how to save themselves and put out the fire while preventing its spread to other sections.

The district police fully supported the firefighters and the local people helped them in getting water.

When contacted, an official of Rescue 1122 Luqman Khan said it was not yet clear how the fire broke out.

Rauf Khan of Galyara village told this scribe he had planted many plants in the area, but the fire turned them into ashes.

Similarly, other people said the blaze had inflicted financial losses on them.

When contacted, the district administration and Rescue 1122 officials said they would continue their efforts until the fire was brought under control.

• Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2021*