Multiple incidents of forest fire have been reported in Kohima during the last couple of days, keeping fire stations personnel on their toes. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express news
Kohima | April 12
Multiple incidents of forest fire have been reported in Kohima during the last couple of days, keeping fire station personnel on their toes.
According to official from the Fire Department, the fire stations in North and South have been kept busy since the last week as forest fire continue to occur apparently due to the process of burning of jhum or shifting cultivation.
Sedevizo Hibo, officer-in-charge of South Fire station informed that on Friday, 2 fire incidents were reported, both jungle fires. One was reported from Chiesema village in the afternoon and the other occurred below Diary Farm, New Reserve colony in the evening.
He also said the reason for the frequent forest fire may be due to slash and burn cultivation which is undertaken at this time of the year by clearing the jungles and burning it.
Although the causes may not be intentional, Hibo said the dry and windy season make it easy to spread the fire to adjoining areas. This may endanger other un-cleared jungles, livestock or human residences. Additionally, areas or jungles where fire tenders cannot reach heighten the risk of spreading and escalating the situation further, he pointed out.
Citing other incidences, the official said only on April 11, two (2) fire calls were received by the South Fire station at Phesama and Lerie. At Phesama, there was no approach road for the fire tenders to reach the spot. Fortunately, the fire was brought under control by the locals. At North Fire station, during the last couple of days, at least 4 fire incidents were attended to in various locations.
He also said many fire incidents may also have gone unreported. On the preparedness of the Fire Department, Hibo said fire tenders are ever ready and there is no shortage of equipments including water for attending to fire calls.
