TAXILA: A huge fire erupted on Kalla Chitta mountain near village Guggan in Fatehjang tehsil of Attock in the early hours of Sunday, damaging flora and fauna.

The cause of the fire could not be ascertained but according to the local forest department it was apparently lit by people living in the village.

According to sources, the forest department and Rescue 1122 reached the spot after going through a rough terrain where the fire was causing damage to the forest area. However, they were unable to take fire extinguishing equipment to the spot due to the difficult landscape. Using tree branches, the staffers succeeded in controlling the flames from further damaging the green area.

According to District Emergency Officer Ali Hasnain, the fire had engulfed a large area. Smoke emitting from the fire could be seen from a distance of 20 kilometres in Attock, Fatehjang and other towns of the district.

Mr Hasnain said soon after getting information a 30-member team of rescue workers along with officials of the forest department launched an operation.

He said as the fire erupted on the top of the hills, it was inaccessible for fire tenders and manual methods were utilised to avert further spread of the flames. He said the personnel were monitoring the situation.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2022