POKHARA, Feb 4: A fire that broke out in the Timang forest of Chame Rural Municipality-1, Manang, since Saturday is still blazing as authorities struggle to control the fire due to geographical challenges.
The fire, which started in a dry area due to the lack of snowfall this season, has caused significant damage to the forest in the region. The blaze has been raging for four days and is yet to be brought under control. Locals, security personnel, the Division Forest Office, and the local administration have been mobilized to contain the fire, but they have not been able to douse the fire.
According to Arun Parajuli, Forest Officer at the Division Forest Office in Manang, the fire broke out in the Timang forest on Saturday evening. Although the fire started near the Timang settlement, it does not currently pose any direct threat to the human settlement. However, Parajuli said that the fire is spreading rapidly in the forest areas.
"It is a ‘sal’ forest, and there has not been any snowfall this season. This has made it easier for the fire to burn the dry forest," he said, "Since the speed of the wind is strong, the chances of bringing the fire under control immediately are low. The fire is spreading due to the strong wind."
According to Parajuli, approximately two hectares of forest have burned over the past four days. The affected area falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).
Forest fire in Timang continues to rage, 1.5 hectares destroyed
"For now, there is no immediate risk to the settlements. However, smoke from the fire has spread everywhere," he said, "The upper belt of the forest is at higher risk right now but since the human settlement is towards the lower areas, it is not at risk."
He blamed the lack of snowfall for the fire. "We have restricted entry into the settlement and have attempted to extinguish the fire as much as possible. But it is not easy," he said, "It is not possible for people to go deep into the forest and douse it."
According to Parajuli, the fire has spread to an area at an altitude of about 2,800 meters. There is no clear information about how the fire started. He also mentioned that the fire has caused damage to wildlife, valuable herbs, trees, and plants.
"There has been no snowfall this season. Although it is cold in the morning and evening, the temperature rises in the afternoon. The grass in the forest has dried up, making it easier for the fire to spread," Parajuli said.
Khadka Jung Gurung, chairman of Chame Rural Municipality-1, also confirmed that the fire remains out of control. "The fire has not reached the human settlement at the moment. However, if the situation continues like this, we cannot say anything. That is why we must remain vigilant," he said, "The intensity of the fire is still increasing."
According to Gurung, a team of security personnel and locals attempted to extinguish the fire on Tuesday morning but had to return after finding it impossible to control the spreading flames.
"The fire is on a hill, making access difficult. We have created a fire line to prevent it from reaching the settlement, but the threat has not subsided due to the strong wind," he said, "It is not clear who or what started the fire."
The affected area is typically a snowy region. However, since there has not been any snowfall this season, the ground remains dry, allowing the fire to spread easily. Strong winds have further accelerated the blaze.
"Last year, by this time, we had received snowfall four to five times. Snowfall helps prevent fires from starting immediately. However, this season, there has been no snowfall at all. Instead, temperatures have risen, and the dry ground has made it easier for fires to ignite and spread," he said.
For the past few years, forest fires have become a recurring issue in Manang. In 2077, massive fires broke out in the forested areas of Thanchowk, Chame Rural Municipality-2, and Tachai, Nason Rural Municipality. Last year, various forest areas in Manang were also affected by wildfires.
