According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajendra Palikhe, chief of Gulmi District Police Office, the incident happened as the people who had gone to douse the fire were trapped by the flames blazing on all sides. The fire started in the forest at about 11 a.m. At least three villages adjoining the forest are at risk as efforts to put out the fire have not been successful till the evening.
The incident comes just two after 13 army soldiers died while fighting forest fire in Ramechhap district.
Related story
Firefighters battle to douse fire at Birgunj’s ICP
