A wildfire that began in the Timang forest, located in ward 1 of Chame Rural Municipality in Manang, has been raging since the beginning of this month. Despite efforts from security forces, forest officials, and locals, the fire remains out of control.

Khadga Bahadur Gurung, the ward 1 chair of Chame Rural Municipality, noted that the absence of snowfall this season has contributed to the severity of the fire. “This area, typically covered in snow at this time of year, is now being consumed by fire instead,” he said. The region, at an altitude of around 2,650 metres, has seen severe drought conditions that have worsened the situation.

According to Dhak Bahadur Bhujel, the chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) in Manang, the fire has spread across a large area of protected forest, affecting trees, medicinal plants, and wildlife habitats. The fire, which was first noticed on February 1, has been difficult to extinguish due to dry conditions and strong winds. “We’ve been working tirelessly to contain the flames, but the winds and dry conditions keep reigniting the fire," he said.

While recent light snow and rain have helped control some of the flames, full containment remains elusive. Bhujel added, “The fire has affected not just the forest but also the natural habitat of many species, and it’s still spreading in some areas.”

Authorities have confirmed that no settlements are currently at risk, but the fire has caused significant environmental damage. The situation is especially concerning as the fire could spread further, particularly to higher areas around Chame. Local authorities and security personnel have set up fire lines and continue to monitor the situation closely.

“We’ve used water bags and sprayers to try and control the blaze. We’ve managed to tackle the fire in areas accessible to humans, but the more remote spots remain difficult to reach,” District Police Chief Naresh Kumar Singh said.

Matrika Acharya, the chief district officer, confirmed that the combined efforts of the local people, the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and ACAP have been ongoing since the fire first broke out. “While the fire is largely contained, there are still some areas where the flames continue to smoulder, especially in large trees. The situation remains critical, particularly with the strong winds,” he said.

The fire has currently affected around 12 hectares of forest, though authorities fear it could worsen if weather conditions do not improve. Local residents and conservationists continue to appeal for additional resources to tackle the blaze before it spreads further.