LAHORE, June 1: The Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) on Friday said a fire broke out in bushes and jungle in the vicinity of Tarbela Dam, at about 09:10 Thursday night, but well away from the switchyard and the power station.

In a press release, the authority said consequently operation to control and extinguish the fire was immediately started by Wapda firefighters placed at the project. In addition, fire brigades of other institutions and areas also reached the site to join the operation.

As a result of the concerted efforts of these teams, the fire was completely controlled and extinguished late at night. Though the fire incident took place away from the power house and the switchyard, Tarbela Power Station and the transmission lines had to be switched off by the operational staff for safety purpose. However, the power station and the transmission lines were completely re-energised by 2am after the fire was extinguished. All the units of Tarbela Power Station are in normal operation since then and contributing to the National Grid as usual, the press release elaborated.

Meanwhile, the authority thanked firefighters of Special Services Group, Army Aviation, Topi Cantonment Board, Naushera Cantonment Board, Pakistan Locomotive Company, Risalpur, Gaddon Amazai Industrial Estate, Haripur, Abbottabad, Swabi, Mardan, Takht Bahai, Naushera and Rescue 1122 Peshawar for their timely assistance.

Wapda over a couple of years had developed paths in the thick forests around Tarbela Dam, which greatly helped in the quick movement of the fire fighters at the site of incident.