KATHMANDU: Forest fire has devastated approximately 700 hectares of forest in Myagdi district, marking the most significant damage among the 11 districts in Gandaki province.

The Division Forest Office reports that this destruction occurred over a span of 45 days, affecting 111 forests across all six local government units in Myagdi, from the first week of March to the last week of April.

Locals in the vicinity expressed deep concern over the rapid spread of the forest fire, which has led to the loss of wildlife.

Tek Bahadur Pun, a resident of Malika rural municipality-6, lamented the fatalities suffered by several wild species.

Bishnu Adhikari, Chief of the Division Forest Office, highlighted that forest fires continue to occur daily in various areas of the district, including Beni municipality, Malika, Mangala, Raghuganga, Dhawalagiri, and Annapurna rural municipalities.

While some fires have been contained, others still emit dense smoke, requiring concerted efforts from locals and security personnel to distribute fire extinguishing equipment.

As a result of the forest fires, wildlife has sought refuge in human settlements, leading to conflicts with residents.

Monkeys and boars, in particular, have caused damage to crops, leaving farmers like Tikanath Kandel from Mangala rural municipality-5 feeling victimized.

In addition to the forest fires, separate incidents of fire have caused significant property damage in Tamghas and Bhojpur municipalities.

In Tamghas, a blaze originating from dry wheat stalks consumed a two-story house belonging to Saroj Saru of Ruruchhetra rural municipality-5, Dhobighat, destroying stored grains, clothes, and utensils.

Similarly, in Bhojpur municipality-8, Pokhare, a fire razed the 10-room house of Bharat Karki, resulting in property losses totaling Rs 4.2 million, including cash, gold, silver, electronic devices, and furniture, as confirmed by Police Inspector Bishal Limbu of the District Police Office.

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