SWAT: More forest fires broke out in Swat on Monday as the authorities claimed to have controlled over 70 blazes in various locations of the district since June 1.

The fire raging in the mountains of Marghuzar, a popular tourist destination, could not be brought under control even on the third day as the blaze extended to Manyar, Gahalgey and other mountains of Barikot tehsil.

According to district forest office officials, an operation was underway to control fire raging in the mountains of Marghuzar and other areas.

They said fresh fires had broken out in the hills of Shamelai Sangota in Babuzai tehsil, Mohammad Baig and Shalhand of Kabal tehsil, Amlook Dara, Ghalegey and Manyar of Barikot tehsil, Toha in Charbagh and Chinkolai of Khwazakhela tehsil.

A Rescue 1122 spokesperson said a total of 74 forest and mountain fire operations were conducted since June 1, of which, 70 fires had been brought under control.

Residents of Amlook Dara village said fire had burnt all the vegetation on the hills, and was fast spreading to residential areas.

Meanwhile, workers of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party staged protests, demanding an inquiry into the fire incidents. They said those who started fires in the mountains of Swat should be arrested, and terrorism cases be registered against them.

Officials of forest department, Rescue 1122, police, volunteers of civil defence, civil society and local community members are taking part in the efforts to douse the blazes.

Published in Dawn,June 14th, 2022