Forest fires in 523 places in 56 districts

Symbolic image of forest fire

Kathmandu: The number of forest fires has increased since April. According to the forest fire identification and monitoring system of the Department of Forest and Soil Conservation, fires are currently raging in 523 places in 56 districts.

Forest fires are raging in 60 places in Parsa alone, 41 in Makwanpur, 27 in Chitwan and 26 in Nawalpur. Experts have warned to be vigilant as the temperature has risen in western Nepal and Central Terai and some hilly areas.

The fire is also the main cause of the increased air pollution since yesterday, said Indubikram Joshi, spokesperson of the Environment Department. Stating that air pollution has serious impact on public health, the Ministry of Health and Population has also urged to take precaution.

According to the Department of Forest and Soil Conservation, this year’s forest fires are the highest in a decade. In Nepal, there are more fires from April to May.