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.

Forest fires have spread to protected wildlife areas too. (Arvind Moudgil/HT Photo)

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.

NH-121 in Pauri district is blocked since Sunday morning after two half burnt logs fell on the road.

Chamoli, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Almora and Nainital are the worst-affected districts, he said.

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