Massive forest fire in Toksal area of Okhaldhunga, which started on Monday (April 30) afternoon, is still burning out of control despite efforts of security personnel and local people to out the fire.

A Forest official said the fire, which started from Rangapur forest in Katunje VDC, spread to nearby village and destroyed or damaged at least seven houses. Teams of Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, district police and local people put out the fire in the village late Monday night. However, it was still spreading in the forest, said Padam Bahadur Khadka of District Forest Office.

Police said there was now a real danger that the fire could spread to nearby Harkapur VDC. As a precaution, villagers there have started collecting water and other material to help them fight the fire.

District Forest Office (DFO) has sent a technical team to collect data of properties lost in the fire.

Source: Republica