TOBA TEK SINGH: Hundreds of trees were reduced to ashes on Saturday after a fire broke out in the Kamalia forest, spread over more than 14,000 acres.

The firefighters said the fire erupted due to unknown reasons near Chak 741/GB and Chak 728/GB which spread over more than 200 acres. The windstorm helped fire spread to a vast area.

Despite hectic efforts of the firefighters, the fire could not be controlled when this report was filed.

A Rescue 1122 official said teams of firefighters from municipal committees of Kamalia and Toba Tek Singh had also reached the area to control the fire while a number of local volunteers were also taking part in the operation.

Deputy Commissioner Umar Abbas Mela has launched an inquiry to know the cause of fire while the forest department will also look into the matter and assess the loss of burnt trees. There were also reports of the death of wild animals.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2026