KATHMANDU, March 7: The fire at the Nakchung Community Forest near the Tenzing Hillary Airport, Lukla, has not been brought under control since last night.

Chief of the Civil Aviation Authority Nepal, Lukla, Dwarika Achhami informed Republica that the fire could not be brought under control because of continuous strong wind.

"The wind is blowing at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour in the area," said Achhami, adding that the fire was out of control. Although there is no risk at the airport, he said flights were disrupted due to the smoke.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Acting Chairman Tashi Lhamu Sherpa said that a helicopter was called as the area where fire has occurred is a steep cliff and inaccessible for people to extinguish the fire. Attempts to extinguish the fire from the helicopter have been stopped for a while due to strong winds.

The airport was closed for about an hour this morning due to smoke from the fire, said Achhami. It is said that even though the airport is now operational, the flights could not take place easily. Rame Tamang, a local, shared that the forest fire in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-2 is spreading.

 
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