Forest fires broke out in different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa late on Monday night amid the current heatwave and drought, but were mostly successfully controlled by timely actions of Rescue 1122 and other departments.

Bilal Ahmad Faizi, spokesperson for KP Rescue 1122, told Dawn.com: “Several incidents of sudden fires breaking out in the mountain ranges and forests of different districts of KP were reported, which were controlled due to timely and coordinated actions of Rescue 1122, Wildlife, Civil Defence, Levies, Forest Department and local people.”

Intense fires broke out in the mountain ranges of Malakand district. District Emergency Officer Nasir Khan personally supervised the operation while Assistant Commissioner Dargai Shahbaz was also present at the spot.

A fire that broke out in the forest near KP House in Abbottabad was successfully extinguished after a fire vehicle and a Rescue 1122 team reached the spot.

A fire in the mountain range in the Turbat Kerdara area of Upper Dir was controlled with the joint efforts of Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, Levies and Forest Department personnel, according to a spokesperson for Rescue 1122.

In Shangla, the firefighting operation continued in the Titwalan area for the second day on Tuesday as Rescue 1122, the Forest Department and local people continued their operation to control the forest fire in the Titwalan area of Martung tehsil with many houses saved from being engulfed in fire.

In Buner, a firefighting operation continued in the mountains of Bachkata as a Rescue 1122 team remained busy in extinguishing the flames. According to officials, efforts were underway and steps were being taken to keep the nearby population safe.

A fierce fire in Serwakai tehsil of Upper South Waziristan was brought under control after a 20-hour-long struggle as Rescue 1122 teams from South Waziristan and Tank districts participated in the operation, saving olive trees.

The forest fire incidents that occurred in KP’s different areas highlighted the importance of prompt and coordinated measures to deal with environmental hazards and emergencies.

The timely action and excellent coordination by Rescue 1122, Wildlife, Levies, Forest Department and local people prevented a possible major loss.

According to the spokesperson of Rescue 1122, all personnel were ready at all times for public safety and did not shy away from fulfilling their responsibility even in the most difficult situations.