A person died while trying to contain a forest fire at Gothibang-3 in Pyuthan district on Saturday. Police identified the deceased as 35-year-old Krishna Bahadur Khadka of Gothibang-3.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Ranjit Singh Rathaur said two other persons sustained burn injuries. Raging forest fires have destroyed 19 houses and sheds in the district.

Fresh bushfires were reported in around a dozen community and national forests in Parbat district on Saturday. According to the District Forest Office, the fires have caused a huge loss of forest resources.

Officials said settlements close to the forests have been alerted against the hazards of fire. According to Bidhan Adhikari, a local, around 20,000 hectares of forestland have been destroyed by infernos.

At least 20 houses were burnt down at Badagaun, Majhgaun and Dajakot areas in Gulmi district on Saturday. 

Assistant Sub-inspector Ganesh Shrisha said the fire at Dandathok Community Forest had caught the settlement after strong winds fanned it. As many as 40 houses are still at high risk, said Shrisha.

According to Gulmi Police, fires are sweeping through eight other forests. Two persons were burnt to death in their bid to douse the blazes on Friday.

In Salyan, forest fires have destroyed at least 15 houses in the past week. According to police, property worth Rs5 million was destroyed.

In Dolakha, wild animals have started entering human settlements as their habitats were burnt. As the Jilu forest was engulfed by fire, deer have started taking shelter at Nayagal. Local residents reported that wild animals were seen near Lektol.

In Palpa, forest fires that broke out at Humin-6 destroyed six houses in Hatiya bazaar on Saturday. Four others turned to ashes at Telgha in the district.

(With inputs from our local correspondents)