A massive wildfire erupted near Nachna town in Jaisalmer district on Saturday, engulfing thousands of acres of forest land and razing roadside establishments, causing widespread alarm. Police have cordoned off the entire area, and no casualties have been reported so far.
Origin and Spread of the Fire
The blaze reportedly began around 4 p.m. in dense shrubland near an intersection approximately 2 kilometers from Nachna town. Fanned by strong winds and intense heat, the fire quickly spread across an estimated 4 square kilometers of forest land. Thick smoke and towering flames could be seen from several kilometers away.
Threat to Military Installations
The fire's proximity to an Army Combat Training Centre and a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) campus heightened the severity of the threat. Civil and military authorities remained on high alert as the fire advanced toward these sensitive establishments. Deputy Superintendent of Police Gajendra Singh stated, "Timely action prevented the fire from reaching the sensitive military establishments, with no damage to structures or loss of life reported so far."
Response and Containment Efforts
Senior district administration and police officials rushed to the scene, along with forest department teams, army personnel, and local villagers. Nine fire tenders, including some brought from Pokhran and Jaisalmer, were deployed, with additional support from the Army's firefighting vehicles. Despite sustained efforts, the fire continued to smolder and reignite intermittently, and it could not be fully controlled until late at night.
Environmental and Economic Impact
Grave concerns remain over the extensive damage to natural forest wealth and potential threats to wildlife. The fire turned trees, shrubs, and vegetation to ashes across thousands of acres. DSP Singh confirmed, "Significant forest and wildlife resources have been destroyed." Additionally, more than half a dozen kutcha shops, tea stalls, and dhabas at the intersection were engulfed in flames. Some shopkeepers managed to save part of their stock, while others reported heavy losses. Affected traders have appealed to the district administration for compensation.
Local Concerns
Some local villagers expressed anger over the absence of a permanent fire department in Nachna, warning that such gaps could lead to major loss of life in the future. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
