Forest Department personnel in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district are working round the clock to control multiple forest fires that have damaged large stretches of forest cover, with officials risking their lives to stop the flames from spreading further.
Authorities said several fire incidents have been reported from different forest areas in Rajouri district, triggering an intensive firefighting operation involving Forest Department teams, local administration officials and emergency personnel.
Officials engaged in rescue and containment efforts said teams have been continuously deployed across vulnerable forest zones, often navigating steep terrain, extreme heat and smoke-filled conditions to prevent fires from spreading to nearby settlements and ecologically sensitive areas.
The ongoing wildfire situation has raised concern among authorities as dry weather conditions and rising temperatures continue to create a high-risk environment for forest fires across parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Forest personnel have reportedly been using manual firefighting methods, fire lines and emergency containment strategies in difficult terrain where vehicle access remains limited. Officials said several personnel have been exposed to dangerous conditions while trying to contain the flames.
The fires have already damaged patches of vegetation and forest ecosystems in affected regions, though authorities are still assessing the full extent of destruction.
Officials stated that firefighting operations are continuing on a war footing, with teams maintaining surveillance in vulnerable areas to prevent flare-ups and fresh ignition points.
Forest fires in Jammu and Kashmir typically increase during hot and dry weather periods, particularly in hilly districts where dense vegetation, dry leaves and strong winds accelerate the spread of flames. Rajouri and neighbouring districts have previously witnessed similar incidents during summer months.
Authorities are also investigating the cause of the recent fires. While some forest fires occur naturally due to climatic conditions, officials have not ruled out accidental human activity or negligence as possible contributing factors.
Residents living near forest belts have been advised to remain cautious and immediately alert authorities about smoke or fresh fire outbreaks to avoid escalation.
Environmental experts warn that recurring forest fires can have long-term consequences including biodiversity loss, destruction of wildlife habitat, soil degradation and worsening ecological instability in mountainous regions.
The administration has not yet released an official estimate of the total area damaged in the latest incidents, but officials said assessment work would continue alongside firefighting operations.
Local authorities have appealed to the public to avoid entering fire-prone forest areas and to cooperate with emergency teams as containment operations continue.
Further updates are expected as officials work to fully control the fires and assess environmental damage across Rajouri district.