Wildfires have been blazing for the past five days in various forest areas of Palpa, with local authorities and residents struggling to bring them under control. The fires have affected several community forests in Tinnau and Rambha Rural Municipalities, causing damage to the environment and one reported death.

In Tinau, fires continue to rage in the Khulkhule Community Forest in Ward 3 and the forests near Odharkhola and Saragkhola, with villagers only able to control the fires that come close to settlements. Fires in more remote areas remain uncontained. “We have managed to extinguish the fire near the village, but it is impossible to control the blaze deep in the forests,” said a local resident.

Meanwhile, the Rimigha Danda forest area in the Rambha Rural Municipality has also been burning for four days, with an electrical short circuit sparking the fire in the steep terrain. Forest guard Shiva Thapa reported that strong winds and the challenging topography have made it nearly impossible to extinguish the flames. Although locals from nearby villages have worked tirelessly to prevent the fire from reaching their homes, the dense forest continues to burn. “The steep slopes and vast forest area have made it difficult for us to get close enough to put out the fire,” said ward chair Chet Bahadur Sunari.

In a tragic turn of events, 61-year-old Tek Bahadur Sartunge Magar from Ribdikot Rural Municipality died while attempting to extinguish a wildfire in the Palung Community Forest. His death narrates the perilous conditions under which locals have been working. “Despite their efforts, the fire has spread uncontrollably due to dry conditions and strong winds,” said local ward member Ram Bahadur Rana.

According to the Divisional Forest Office, over 200 members of the local forest user groups have been attempting to put out the fire daily, but the persistent wind has reignited the flames, further complicating efforts.

The office also revealed that approximately 39 of Palpa’s 81 wards are at high risk of wildfires. These blazes have been largely attributed to human activity, with 96 percent of the fires being linked to human causes.

In response, the office has been running awareness campaigns and establishing firebreaks to prevent further spread. However, with the dry season continuing and strong winds forecast, local communities remain at high risk.