Bandipora: The Forest Department is fully equipped and prepared to handle any potential forest fire situations, said Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Kashmir, Irfan Rasool Wani. He was addressing a gathering at the Cheternar Forest Training Institute in Bandipora.
Wani stated that the department has already identified forest fire-prone zones and has established fire control rooms, deployed field staff and forest watchers, and stocked essential firefighting equipment. “We have also conducted dedicated training sessions to strengthen our response mechanism in the event of any fire outbreak,” he said.
With the current heatwave intensifying across the Valley, the risk of forest fires has risen, particularly in vulnerable regions like Autumn. Wani assured that field teams are on high alert and have been directed to respond immediately to any reports of fire.
The department has urged the general public to remain vigilant and report any forest fire-related incidents to the nearest forest office or local authorities. Shepherds and visitors have also been advised to strictly avoid using fire-related materials such as cigarettes and matchsticks within forest zones to prevent accidental ignitions