NDMA issues high risk forest fire alert in J&K
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 23: After the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a very high forest fire risk alert for forested areas in Jammu and Kashmir over the next seven days, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has directed all the Deputy Commissioners across the region to be prepared with firefighting equipment to deal with any exigency.
In its direction to the DCs of all the districts, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has directed that they should be prepared with firefighting equipment and ready to take action if necessary.
He has also directed them to ensure that all forest staff, local authorities and emergency respondents are notified and briefed on the current fire risk.
“Use all available communication channels to inform citizens about the risk and encourage precautions like avoiding open flames, reporting any sign of fire, and stay alert”. he added.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a ‘very high forest fire risk’ alert for forested areas in Jammu and Kashmir over the next seven days.
“Very High Forest Fire Risk is likely to occur over forest areas in J&K, in the next 7 days. In case of emergency dial 112,” read an advisory on the NDMA.
The NDMA alert has advised to close windows, vents, and other openings in homes living near forested areas to prevent smoke from entering and further asked to move animals and goods to safer places away from the fire-prone areas.
“This alert is generated through our portal and is scientifically validated. Based on its severity, we activate responders such as the fire and emergency services and the Forest Department,” said an official of the Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA).
He said the residents are urged to call 112 in case they spot a fire, and their teams will take immediate action to contain and manage the situation, stating that their top priority remains to save lives and protect properties.
The advisory stresses the importance of ensuring all fire-related materials, such as campfires or cooking stoves, are completely extinguished after use. People are also advised to avoid forested areas during this high-risk period.
The JKDMA official said that they have set up operation centers to handle any incidents, urging the public to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols to prevent environmental damage, loss of wildlife, or human casualties.
The NDMA has advised to stay calm if a sudden fire occurs and to avoid panic and follow emergency protocols.
The advisory strongly advises not to enter forest areas during such a high-risk period.
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