Massive Wildfire Engulfs Lower Dir’s Adenzai Mountains; Firefighting Efforts Intensify

A significant wildfire has erupted in the Adenzai mountains of Lower Dir district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, causing extensive damage to forests and wildlife. The blaze, which began on May 21, 2025, continues to spread despite ongoing firefighting efforts.

Fire Spread and Affected Areas

The wildfire has rapidly expanded across a 2.5-kilometer radius, impacting the areas of Osakai, Asband, and Kotigram. While the fire has been brought under control in Asband, efforts are ongoing in the other regions. Strong winds and dry conditions have exacerbated the situation, making containment challenging.

Firefighting Efforts

Teams from the Forest Department, Rescue 1122, civil defense, and local volunteers are actively engaged in combating the fire. They are employing traditional methods such as using bushes and brooms to beat down flames and creating firebreaks by digging earth lines to prevent further spread. Announcements have been made in local mosques to enlist community support and advise on safety precautions.

Bilal Ahmad Faizi, spokesperson for Rescue 1122, stated that district emergency officers and department heads are on-site, coordinating the firefighting operations. Despite the challenging terrain and intense heat, personnel remain committed to extinguishing the blaze.

Environmental Impact

The wildfire has caused significant destruction to the region’s biodiversity, affecting various tree species and wildlife habitats. Environmental experts have raised concerns about the long-term ecological consequences and emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to prevent such incidents in the future.

Community Response

Local residents have expressed alarm over the devastation and called for immediate government intervention, including the deployment of aerial firefighting resources. The community’s proactive involvement underscores the collective effort to safeguard the region’s natural heritage.

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