A wildfire that has been raging in the forests of Timang, located in Chame Rural Municipality-1 of Manang, has not been brought under control since it started on February 1. Despite the joint efforts of the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Forest Division Office staff, and the locals, the fire continues to spread.

Chief District Officer Matrika Acharya stated that while there was a brief period when the fire seemed to be under control, it has intensified again. Security personnel, forest employees, and local volunteers have been working day and night to contain the flames, even as the weather conditions worsen, he said.

The fire is spreading in the region located at an altitude of about 3,000 meters, and officials are concerned about the increasing risk of it reaching nearby settlements. “The dry land and lack of snow have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire,” said Khadga Bahadur Gurung, the ward chair of Chame-1.

Difficulties in controlling the blaze have been exacerbated by strong winds, especially after 11 am, making the fire spread faster. According to Dhak Bahadur Bhujel, the chief of ACAP Manang, as the weather cools down in the evening, the flames become less visible, but during the day, the winds reignite the fire. The fire has caused significant damage to trees, shrubs, medicinal plants, and wildlife habitats.

Although satellite imagery earlier indicated that the fire might have affected an area of 80 hectares, the authorities now estimate the fire has impacted approximately 10 hectares of forest.