A significant hearth that broke out early on Monday close to the Saidpur village vary on Margalla Hills was extinguished by Islamabad’s Capital Growth Authority (CDA) and different departments after hours-long efforts.
Unfold over 12,605 hectares, the Margalla Hills Nationwide Park witnesses many hearth incidents throughout summer season yearly. The hills additionally caught hearth earlier this month after a blaze close to Loi Dandi erupted.
CDA spokesperson Kamran Aslam instructed Daybreak.com that three helicopters have been used to carry the fireplace below management which was raging at 4 completely different websites.
Earlier at this time, the CDA mentioned the precise explanation for the wildfire couldn’t be ascertained, including that “scorching warmth” with robust winds unfold the fireplace to an space of three sq. kilometres.
Aslam mentioned over 75 firefighters reached the spot to extinguish the blaze, including that there was problem in controlling the fireplace as a result of robust winds.
Afterward, round 200 extra firefighters arrived, he mentioned.
Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Local weather Change Romina Khurshid Alam mentioned that rising temperatures attributable to world warming led to fires within the hill, including that the ministry was carefully monitoring the management measures taken.
She lauded the fireplace management efforts of the Nationwide Catastrophe Administration Authority (NDMA), CDA and Islamabad Wildlife Administration Board to douse the fireplace.
The local weather change ministry earlier mentioned that the NDMA and Common Headquarters additionally mobilised a helicopter to help in extinguishing the fireplace.
PM commends efforts to extinguish hearth
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recommended the swift response and efforts of all departments involved in controlling the Margalla Hills hearth.
He appreciated the Pakistan Military, NDMA, Islamabad administration, Alam and officers and employees of the ministry for his or her “tireless efforts” in extinguishing the fireplace.
The prime minister mentioned following his course, the helicopters of the PM Home and sixth Aviation additionally participated within the firefighting operation.
He directed the related authorities to evaluate the injury triggered to the forest and take measures for its restoration.
Moreover, he instructed veterinary medical doctors to offer medical help to the injured wildlife.
He had earlier issued a directive to make use of all sources to extinguish the fireplace.
“Management of the fireplace must be ensured as quickly as doable,” the premier had mentioned based on a submit on PTV’s X account, including that no human life must be harmed within the hearth and the safety of the wildlife must be ensured.