Forest Fire Erupts Near Gas Storage Depot in Almora, Sparks Panic Among Residents
A significant forest fire broke out in the Dharanoula area of Almora district on Thursday, spreading alarm among local residents as flames advanced dangerously close to a gas storage facility. The incident triggered immediate emergency responses to avert a potential disaster.
Joint Operation Launched to Contain the Blaze
Fire service and forest department teams swiftly arrived at the scene, initiating a coordinated effort to extinguish the fire. Firefighters employed water spraying techniques to control the spread, while forest personnel established fire lines to prevent the flames from reaching the gas warehouse. Officials confirmed that their timely intervention successfully prevented a major incident, highlighting the effectiveness of the emergency response.
Multiple Wildfires Reported Across Bageshwar District
Simultaneously, forest fires were documented in several locations within Bageshwar district, including Kapkot, Garur, and parts of the Pindar Valley. In Garur block, forests in Hunera Tok of Nargwadi village ignited on Thursday afternoon, with flames moving towards nearby habitations and filling the area with dense smoke. Villagers reported that various tree species, such as chir pine, oak, utis, and buransh, were adversely affected by the fire.
In Kapkot, sections of the Glacier Range were scorched by the blaze, leading to thick smoke that reduced visibility and degraded air quality across the region. Additional wildfires near Sorag and Wachham villages in the Pindar Valley caused damage to fodder, trees, and vegetation in proximity to residential areas. Residents expressed concern, noting that forests in the Glacier Range historically experienced fewer fires, even during peak fire seasons, and highlighted the alarming early onset of fires this year.
Environmental Concerns and Calls for Preventive Measures
Environmental activist Jagdish Kuniyal described the outbreak of forest fires at this stage of the season as concerning and urged for enhanced preventive strategies. He emphasized the need for proactive measures to mitigate future risks and protect local ecosystems.
Mock Drill Conducted to Boost Preparedness for Fire Season 2026
In anticipation of Fire Season 2026, the forest department organized a one-day mock drill at the Model Crew Station in Jaulkande, Bageshwar. This exercise involved officials from the forest department, district administration, fire services, and police, aiming to strengthen preparedness and improve coordination among agencies. The drill focused on simulating emergency scenarios to ensure a swift and effective response to potential forest fire incidents in the future.
