The Tatopani border point with China has been closed since Monday after a massive forest fire broke out overnight in the border areas of Nyalam and Khasa on the Chinese side.

According to Jagat Bahadur Rai, Police Inspector at the Kodari Area Police Office, the fire started on Sunday night in the Chhobin area, including the stretch between Nyalam and Khasa. As the blaze spread rapidly, the Chinese authorities halted all movement of locals and tourists through the border, citing security concerns.

“The fire has destroyed a large forest area across the border,” Rai said. “The skies over Liping and Tatopani are covered with smoke and ash, and the fire is yet to be brought under control.”

Rai, quoting Chinese security personnel, said communication and network services across the border have also been affected. With the fire still raging, there is a risk it could spread towards Nepal’s upper hill areas near the border, including the Kharani Pokhari vicinity.

Residents said the fire has been spreading rapidly through the border forests. Chinese security officials have also reported sightings of flames in the upper areas above the Tatopani border point. Rai said Nepal has requested drone images from the Chinese side to assess the actual situation.

Chinese authorities have warned that if the fire is not contained in time, it could spread into Nepali territory. In view of the potential risk, Nepali authorities have stepped up surveillance around the border. Details of the damage caused by the fire have yet to be confirmed.

The closure has added to trade disruptions with China. With the Rasuwagadhi border point remaining shut since the July flood, most trade had been routed through Tatopani. Following the latest shutdown, containers carrying goods worth millions of rupees have been stranded on both sides of the border, leaving traders and importers concerned.