Srinagar, March 31: Reacting to forest fires across Kashmir from past few days, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said “all departments are on high alert to make sure that the situation is brought under control”.

Dry winter spell is seen as the cause behind increasing incidents of forest fires in Kashmir valley.

Taking to social networking website, Twitter, Mehbooba wrote: “Forest department & volunteers are working tirelessly to douse the forest fire in Bandipora, Kangan, Anantnag & other affected areas. They have succeeding in partially extinguishing it. All departments are on high alert to make sure that the situation is brought under control”.

Earlier, massive fire broke out in Nowroz Baba forests of Tangmarg division late Friday, reports and witnesses said.

Fire broke out in compartment number 25 of Pathribal forests in the lower reaches of Pir Panjal mountain range in Nowroz Baba, turning many trees into ashes, said an eyewitness.

“Dozens of youth from Nowroz Baba rushed to the spot to control the fire,” said Mukhtar Ahmad, who also took part in fire-fighting.

Divisional Forest Officer Tangmarg Dr Mehraj said, “We are on the job since last evening and the fire has almost been brought under control. I was personally monitoring the dousing process.” 

Dry winter spell is seen as the cause behind increasing incidents of forest fires in Kashmir valley.