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In pics: Uttarakhand forest fire continues, 2270 hectares affected
Major forest fires raged across Uttarakhand even as two Indian Air Force (IAF) choppers have begun spraying water to extinguish the flames.
Major forest fires raged across Uttarakhand even as two Indian Air Force (IAF) choppers have begun spraying water to extinguish the flames.
Since the beginning of forest fire incidents in the state in early February this year, 922 incidents have occurred so far killing six people including three women and a child, in separate incidents, injuring seven and blighting 1890.79 hectares of green cover, principal conservator of forest (Research) BP Gupta told PTI.
Rudraprayag forest division is taking the army’s help for fire-fighting operations especially along the highways, Gupta said.
Chamoli, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Almora and Nainital are the worst-affected districts, he said.
The casualties due to forest fires which have spread to sparsely-populated remote hill areas, rose to six with another life lost in Nainital district on Friday evening.
1890.79 hectares of green cover have been destroyed by the fires which had an early start on February 2 this year due to a dry winter.
Read: Uttarakhand forests go up in flames, rescuers jump into action
