Over the past few days, forest fires have broken out in more than 36 government and community forests in Palpa.

According to Upendra Aryal, head of the task force of the Division Forest Office, the fires have destroyed thousands of hectares of forest land, timber, herbs, wildlife, and birds, among other things. Nearby settlements are also at high risk.

Extreme wind conditions are fuelling the fires further, said Aryal. 

“We are yet to find out how the fires started although forest fires are common occurrences in this season. Efforts are being made to control the fires, and we have requested all local units to start alerting people,” said Aryal.