Firefighters successfully extinguish wildfires in Margalla hills, Murree

ISLAMABAD/MURREE: Firefighters were able to extinguish wildfires that erupted in the Margalla hills of Islamabad and the forests of Murree in early hours of Saturday.

Despite the rugged terrain and limited accessibility, authorities managed to effectively mobilise and extinguish the wildfires in Margalla Hills and Murree.

Read more: Fire again breaks out at Margalla Hills, one suspect arrested

The fires in Margalla hills broke out in Partal, and the villages of Gandhian and Kanijal. The Capital Development Authority (CDA), wildlife authorities, and firefighting teams were quick to respond.

The authorities even deployed a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) helicopter to aid in firefighting efforts. Pakistan navy representatives also participated.

The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Islamabad also assured the citizens that the fires were now “under control”.

Similarly, wildfires started in the forest adjacent to the Murree Expressway in Murree. The blaze sloly spread over several acres atop the mountain. Rescue officials encountered significant challenges due to darkness and treacherous terrain.

Earlier incidents this week, along with the prevalence of fires during summers, have spanned over 12,605 hectares. Collaborative efforts of the CDA and Ministry of Climate Change personnel contained these incidents.

Read more: Fruit stalls gutted in Islamabad fire

According to experts, the long-term mitigation of wildfire risks requires several key measures. These include enhancing surveillance capabilities, implementing early detection systems, and developing comprehensive fire management plans.