Uttarkashi: A forest fire that broke out near Basugaon on the Gyansu-Sald Road in Uttarakhand was successfully brought under control following a joint operation by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Forest Department and Fire Service teams.

According to officials, the SDRF received information about the fire late Wednesday night amid fears that the flames could spread to nearby residential areas. Acting swiftly, the SDRF team stationed at Post Ujeli, led by Head Constable Durgesh Ratudi, rushed to the spot with necessary firefighting equipment.

Timely Action Prevents Fire from Reaching Residential Areas

At the site, teams from SDRF, NDRF, Forest Department and Fire Service jointly carried out an intensive firefighting operation. Officials said the coordinated efforts of all departments helped contain the blaze in time and prevented it from spreading towards nearby homes and settlements.

Authorities stated that the timely response helped avert a potentially major incident in the region.

Uttarakhand Witnessing Rise in Forest Fire Incidents

Meanwhile, the Forest Department in Rudraprayag recently reported around 20 forest fire incidents across the district this season, affecting nearly 15 hectares of forest land. Officials attributed the rise in such incidents to prolonged dry weather conditions and human negligence.

Divisional Forest Officer Rajat Suman stated that several fires appeared to have been deliberately set. He said strict action was being taken against those found responsible, including legal action under the Indian Forest Act, Disaster Management Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

According to officials, offenders involved in forest fire incidents could face financial penalties and imprisonment of up to two years in serious cases.