Amid a surge in heatwaves, fire erupts in the forests of Soon Valley in Khushab and in Mirpur’s Pir Gali area in Azad-Kashmir which engulfed the forests comprising a large area, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to rescue officials, amid rise in temperature, the fire in the forests of Sahar, Khumba near Mirpur AJK went out of control. The rescue teams and the forest department officers and officials have failed to take urgent measures to control the fire.

It was the second time in a week that fire erupted in the forests of the area. The forests of the area are famous for deer, rabbits, wild roosters, lions and leopards.

Meanwhile, a devastating fire, spanning several kilometers, erupted in Soon Valley in Khushab district, posing a severe threat to the local wildlife. Moreover, chowkidar Syed Ghulam Raza was reported to die while extinguishing the fire.

Despite efforts by Rescue 1122 Nowshera, the fire rapidly spread over kilometres. The region witnesses mysterious fires annually, impacting the lush greenery that attracts both visitors and diverse bird species.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif taking notice of the fire has sought a report from the concerned officials. CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif paid tribute to Chowkidar Ghulam Raza who sacrificed his life while extinguishing the fire.

The CM said, on the request of Khushab district administration, PDMA was instructed to conduct an aerial operation to extinguish the fire. Maryam Nawaz claimed that forests of Soon Valley were a national asset, that possible steps should be taken to extinguish the fire.

Reporter: Haider Ali