Efforts on to douse Balochistan’s forest fire: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Army on Sunday continued its efforts to douse a fire in a pine forest near Shergali in district Sherani of Balochistan province, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Balochistan in coordination with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is carrying out relief efforts and organising firefighting activities along with the maximum support from Pakistan Army and FC Balochistan.

The fire is mostly on mountain tops away from population centres but continues to spread due to hot weather, inaccessible nature of the terrain and dry winds.

The military’s media wing said although the population is living eight to 10 kilometers from the fire site they have shifted 10 families residing in isolated houses to a medical relief camp.

According to the ISPR, a FC Wing and two Army helicopters along with local administration and Levies have been employed in firefighting and relief efforts, besides a helicopter is being used to drop water and the other is being used to drop fireballs and fire extinguishing chemicals.

It added 400 fire balls, 200 fire suits, blankets, tents, mats and fire extinguishing equipment have been provided by NDMA through FC Balochistan. Army has also transported relief equipment from Lahore to Zhob.