SWABI: Fire broke out in the Mangalchai forests, a mountainous region of Gadoon Amazai, on Wednesday night and continued till Thursday reducing precious trees to ashes, said Rescue 1122 officials.

Soon after the fire broke out, locals informed Rescue 1122 who dispatched a team to control the fire and protect precious trees.

Luqman Khan, one of the rescue officials, told Dawn that they completely focused on putting out the inferno but in the mountainous region it was difficult to fully concentrate on their work but despite difficulties they were preventing the fire from spreading to other mountains.

When contacted, Zamin Gul, one of the residents, told Dawn on the phone that the fire was rapidly spreading and on various occasions, the firefighters were helpless but they along with the locals continued their efforts.

“Announcements were made on loudspeakers in local mosques, appealing to the people to extend help.

“The locals came out in great numbers and helped in extinguishing the fire,” he said.

Fida Mohammad, another resident, said that the cause of the fire was not known but due to continued dry season, the grass in the mountains could catch fire.

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2024