An aerial view captures the devastating impact of the wildfire ravaging Wokha, with thick smoke billowing into the sky as flames consume the landscape below. (Photo Courtesy: DDMA Wokha)
Morung Express News
Wokha | March 18
A devastating wildfire that broke out on March 17, around 10 am, near Humtsoe village, has sent emergency response teams and local volunteers into a relentless battle to contain its spread. The wildfire, believed to have been sparked by jhum (shifting) cultivation, has been challenging to control due to high winds and dry conditions that have fueled the flames.
Since the outbreak, volunteers from Wokha and Humtsoe villages, along with personnel from the SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, and Home Guards Civil Defence, have been working tirelessly to combat the blaze. Despite their relentless efforts, the situation remains dire, with the fire threatening to spread further.
Vineet Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Wokha and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) informed that while significant resources and personnel have been deployed, the high winds have complicated the firefighting efforts.
“The wind speed has been very high, causing the fire to spread in all directions. Despite our best efforts, including the involvement of multiple agencies such as SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, police, and the forest department, the winds and dry conditions have made it incredibly difficult to fully contain the fire,” Kumar explained.
Regarding the fire's proximity to the Vankhosung Helipad, Kumar confirmed that an SDO Civil officer has been appointed as the incident commander, coordinating efforts to break the fire's line and prevent it from reaching nearby villages. “We have sufficient volunteers on the ground, and we are hopeful that we can control the fire here,” he added. He assured the public that nearby villages, including Wokha, are on alert, though he expressed confidence that the fire would not threaten inhabited areas.
Thenuosielie, 2nd OC of the Fire and Emergency Services, provided an update on the situation, reporting that while the fire near Vankhosung Helipad has been brought under control, it has spread towards the cliff between Humtsoe and Yikhum village. The fire continues to rage in that area, as well as near a labour camp on the Humtsoe road.
“We have been going back and forth to refill supplies and rotate personnel because everyone is exhausted,” he said, highlighting the physical toll the operation is taking. He also noted that the cliff area is difficult to access, and they are hoping nature will help contain the fire once it reaches an area with no more fuel to burn.
Thenuosielie added that the exact extent of the damage caused by the fire is still being assessed. While it is known that farms and plantations have been destroyed, the full scale of the devastation remains unclear. A large portion of the jungle has already been ravaged by the flames.
In terms of casualties, Thenuosielie confirmed that there have been no reported injuries so far, though they are still evaluating the situation. “We are focused on extinguishing the fire first, and once that is under control, we will be able to provide more information,” he said. Personnel have been working tirelessly since March 17 and rotations are in place to ensure the teams remain effective despite the exhausting conditions.
Personnel from Wokha Fire Station missing
A personnel from the Wokha Fire Station was reported missing around the Vankhosung Helipad area while battling the wildfire. According to a DIPR report, the individual identified as SI Bentick Konyak was last seen on Tuesday evening and has not been located despite ongoing search efforts. As of the time of filing this report, a search party, including volunteers from neighboring villages, has been deployed to find Konyak.
