Fire incidents surge as dry season intensifies

KATHMANDU: The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has reported a concerning rise in fire-related disasters across the country.

Between 10 a.m. on November 27 and 10 a.m. on November 28, a total of 17 disaster incidents were recorded, causing damage worth Rs 4.918 million. Of these, fires were the most frequent, with 14 incidents reported.

Jhapa alone saw four fire outbreaks, while Kailali recorded two, and Morang, Sankhuwasabha, Rautahat, Bara, Kathmandu, Nawalparasi West, Jumla, and Kanchanpur each reported one incident. Despite falling temperatures, fire incidents have continued to rise.

Similarly, from 10 a.m. on November 26 to the morning of November 27, as many as 17 disaster incidents occurred, including 13 fires.

Meanwhile, snakebite cases were reported in Saptari and Bardiya, and two animal attacks took place in Morang. Fire incidents were recorded in Morang (three), as well as in Saptari, Siraha, Sarlahi, Lalitpur, Kaski, Baglung, Parbat, Kapilvastu, and Rupandehi. Damages on that day amounted to Rs 1.996 million.

From 10 a.m. on November 25 to the morning of November 26, the Authority reported 13 disaster incidents, 10 of which were fires. Fire outbreaks occurred in Solukhumbu, Morang, Sunsari, Jhapa, Taplejung, Kaski, Dang, and Kanchanpur. Snakebite cases were reported in Kanchanpur, while animal attacks occurred in Panchthar and Taplejung.

Earlier, from the morning of November 23 to the morning of November 24, a total of 18 disaster incidents were recorded. Snakebites were reported in Jhapa, and animal attacks occurred in Sindhupalchowk and Humla.

That day saw fire incidents in Sarlahi (three), Gulmi (two), and Morang, Rautahat, Bara, Kathmandu, Kaski, Baglung, Kapilvastu, Banke, and Kailali (one each), with total damage estimated at Rs 500,080.

With fire incidents increasing nationwide as the dry season begins, the Authority has urged the public to exercise caution. It has advised avoiding the storage of flammable materials, keeping a safe distance from fire hazards, and refraining from any activities that could lead to accidental fires or arson.