BUTWAL: Two people have been killed in a forest fire in Lumbini province.

According to Dila Ram Poudel, the Chief of Environment Division under the Ministry for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment of the province, a 9-year-old girl of Dhurkot, Gulmi, and a man of Mathagadhi, Palpa, have been burnt to death by the forest fire.

He informed that the fire has broken out in almost all districts of the province.

With the rise in temperature, the incidents of wildfire are becoming more frequent in Mahabharat and Chure hills of the Province.

According to the Division, 18,586 hectares forest are on fire in 368 places of the province now.

As of Saturday evening, the fire has spread to 3,237 hectares in 92 places in the last four days.

According to the Ministry of Forest and Environment of the federal government, there are 56 fires in various parts including the Bardiya National Park in the Province.

The fire had spread to 15,349 hectares in 276 places till March 30, has spread to 18,586 hectares in 368 places till last Saturday. The fire has spread to 92 places in 3,237 hectares in past five days.

The biggest fire is in Arghakhanchi district. The fire has broken out in 9,715 hectares of 68 places of the district. Similarly, Nawalparasi, Kapilvastu and Gulmi are among the most affected districts in the provice.

Chief of the Environment Division Poudel said that the province government does not have necessary equipment to put out the fire. Pollution is also on the rise in Lumbini province.

Air pollution has increased across the country due to jungle fire in various places.