QILA SAIFULLAH: A wildfire has erupted in the forests of Qila Saifullah, Balochistan, spreading rapidly across a two-kilometer area and raising serious environmental concerns.
According to Express News, the fire in the Spin Ghar forests is intensifying, and the affected area continues to grow.
The Deputy Commissioner of Qila Saifullah has formally requested aerial support from the government to help control the fire.
Due to the high-altitude terrain, rescue and firefighting teams are facing significant challenges. Teams from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and district administration are on the ground, actively working to contain the blaze.
In a letter to the government, the Deputy Commissioner noted that the fire has persisted and the elevation is making access extremely difficult.
Aerial firefighting is urgently needed to manage and suppress the wildfire effectively.
Historical Context: Forest Fires in Balochistan Over the Past Decade
Balochistan has experienced several severe forest fires in recent years, indicating a growing vulnerability in the region.
In May 2022, a major wildfire in Sherani district’s Chilgoza pine forests destroyed thousands of ancient trees and resulted in three fatalities. The fire, likely caused by lightning or negligence, affected a five to six-kilometer area, heavily damaging biodiversity and local livelihoods.
In the same month, Musakhail district also suffered a devastating fire that ravaged a 10-kilometer stretch of pine forests. Strong winds and high temperatures fueled the blaze, while inadequate firefighting resources hindered containment efforts.
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These recurring incidents highlight the urgent need for better forest protection policies, rapid response systems, and advanced firefighting capabilities to prevent large-scale environmental loss in Balochistan.
