LOWER DIR/SWAT: Wildfires have erupted in several mountainous regions of Lower Dir and Swat during the last two days, prompting an extensive firefighting operation by Rescue 1122 and the forest department.

Blazes were reported in Maidan Doba, Barkhani, Sarai Payeen Talash, and Tormang Razagram mountainous areas of Lower Dir.

According to Rescue 1122, teams successfully contained fires in Maidan Doba and Tormang Razagram, while efforts continued in the hills of Barkhani and Sarai Talash.

In Razagram, flames reached dangerously close to residential areas. However, due to accessible water sources nearby, firefighters managed to control the situation promptly and protect nearby homes.

In more remote locations, where water access is limited due to steep terrain, responders are relying on traditional firefighting methods, including manual suppression and the creation of fire lines to halt the spread.

District emergency officer Sanaullah is overseeing operations on the ground. Despite strong winds, high temperatures, and intense flames, Rescue 1122 personnel, along with forest officials, are actively engaged in extinguishing the fires across various affected sites.

Meanwhile, another fire broke out in the Katkala-Manjauro mountain range. Rescue teams responded swiftly and battled the blaze for over seven hours. They eventually brought the fire under control, which had spread across more than one kilometre of rugged terrain.

Talking to Dawn, divisional forest officer Shabir Jan urged local residents to remain vigilant and report any new fire incident immediately. He said the incidents were closely investigated and the culprits would be brought to justice.

Separately, a devastating fire erupted in the mountainous forests of Shah Dheri Batakha in Kabal tehsil of Swat on Thursday night.

According to district emergency officer of Rescue 1122 Mohammad Saad Khan, rescue teams have been conducting firefighting operations for the past five hours, but the blaze has yet to be fully contained.

Strong winds, dry vegetation, and the intense heat are proving to be significant obstacles in controlling the fire’s spread.

Local residents have also joined efforts with the rescue teams, which has helped prevent the fire from extending into additional areas.

Experts suggest that climate change is a major factor behind the surge in forest fires, with rising temperatures, prolonged dry spells, and unpredictable weather patterns exacerbating the problem. The recent heatwave sweeping across Pakistan has further intensified the situation.

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2025