Forest fires have destroyed around 300 hectares of public and community forests in Bhaktapur in the past one week, according to District Forest Office (DFO). 

Fires have been reported in Danda Community Forest in Nagarkot, Shri Ban Community Forest in Changu Narayan, Kakrabari Community Forest in Surya Binayak, Aasapuri Community Forest and  Nawa Durga Community Forest.    

Surya Kanta Sigdel, district forest officer in Bhaktapur, said the fire in Nawa Durga Community Forest had not been brought until control till Tuesday. “We have deployed 50 personnel from Nepal Police and Armed Police Force to contend the fire, but we are unable to do it,” said Sigdel.   

Community forests in the district are more vulnerable as they consist more pine trees, which are more susceptible to fire, he explained.