SWABI: Precious trees in the mountainous region of Gadoon Amazai were reduced to ashes when a blaze broke out on Wednesday night.

Saqib Shah, a rescue official, told this scribe that soon after the fire broke out, locals informed them and they dispatched their team to control the fire, which was rapidly spreading due to dry grass and high temperature.

He said that staff of the forest department and locals, who knew the mountain routes, assisted firefighters.

Noor Mohammad Jadoon, a resident of Mangal Chai, said that due to mountainous terrain and the wind blowing at night, firefighters faced great hardship but help of locals was remarkable in guiding them.

“Firefighters and staff of forest department took timely action, prevented the fire from spreading further, protected the nearby population and more trees. No one was injured in the fire. The cause of the fire is not yet known,” he said.

TRANSFORMER: The 50-kv electricity transformer in Naro Kallay of Maneri Bala has been out of order for the last two days.

The residents of the area said that they were struggling for repairing or replacing the transformer but so far not succeeded in it.

Yamin Ahmad, a local, told Dawn that the transformer exploded two days ago due to overload and after that power supply to the area was suspended, creating difficulties to people in the scorching season.

Afrid Ahmad, another local, said that he was assured by Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) officials that the transformer would be replaced soon.

Rohal Amin, a Pesco official, said that the faulty transformer would be replaced. He said that after replacement, the order transformer would be repaired.

Meanwhile, people remained indoors and district headquarters and other markets presented a deserted look due to scorching heat.

“The severe weather conditions and prolonged power loadshedding have badly disturbed routine of life,” said Mohammad Ali, a representative of traders.

Officials of district administration and Rescue 1122 have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and to take preventive measures to remain safe from heatstroke.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2024