Shimla forest fire nears hospital, damages British-era graveyard

Local residents continued assisting firefighters to stop the flames from advancing further toward inhabited areas; staff members of the hospital also joined the rescue efforts as the fire edged closer to the institution

Fire broke out in Tutikandi and Boileauganj forest areas of Shimla on Thursday, spreading dangerously close to the Mental Asylum and Hospital near Boileauganj and triggering fear among residents, hospital staff and patients. The fire also damaged parts of a British-era graveyard in the area.

The forest fire raging in Shimla forests on Thursday.

The fire, which started during the morning hours, continued late into the night as fire and forest officials, along with local residents, struggled to contain the blaze amid soaring temperatures and difficult terrain.

Local residents continued assisting firefighters to stop the flames from advancing further toward inhabited areas. Staff members of the hospital also joined the rescue efforts as the fire edged closer to the institution.

Ramesh Kumar Sharma, fire officer from Boileauganj station, said firefighters were facing challenges due to high temperatures, dry forest conditions and difficult landscape.

He said fire lines were being created and forest paths cleared to prevent the flames from advancing toward the hospital and residential areas. “A British-era graveyard has suffered significant damage. Trees continue to burn due to the hot weather and dry forest conditions,” he added.