BATTAGRAM: A raging fire that started three days ago has engulfed more than 1,000 kanal area in Allai tehsil, destroying trees, animal fodder and firewood collected by the locals for winter season.

Locals said the fire broke out after some residents lit fire to make tea while collecting firewood and dry animal fodder in the forest on Wednesday.

They said Tepar Sar and Kandorgey areas had been engulfed by the fire.

District forest officer Farhad Ali, when contacted, told Dawn that the area where fire was burning was not under their supervision. Fazal Wahab, range officer wildlife, said he was far away from the area where the incident had taken place and thus could not comment on it right now. But, he added he would soon visit the area and inquire from the local forest guards committee that how the fire broke out and who was involved. After the proper investigation they will lodge FIR, he added.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2017