Guwahati, March 20: A raging wildfire in Wokha district that kept several villages on high alert for over 48 hours has been successfully contained, Wokha Deputy Commissioner and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Chairman Vineet Kumar confirmed on Wednesday night.
However, firefighting teams remain on-site to monitor the situation and prevent any resurgence.
A joint rescue operation involving multiple agencies, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire & Emergency Services, Home Guards & Civil Defence, Police, Forest Department, and local volunteers, worked tirelessly to contain the wildfire between Vankhosung and Humtso village in Wokha district.
A senior official of the Wokha District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) appreciated their efforts but urged residents to remain vigilant, warning that dry conditions and strong winds could trigger further outbreaks.
Authorities suspect that the fire originated on March 17 around 10 AM due to jhum cultivation-related activities near the border of Humtso village. Within hours, it became uncontrollable, raising alarms across multiple villages, including Humtso, Elumyo, and Vankhosung.
The wildfire has already consumed vast stretches of plantations and cultivated land, severely affecting Humtso village and extending to Wokha village. The terrain, consisting primarily of dry shrubs and twigs, combined with strong winds, accelerated the rapid spread of flames.
A senior DDMA official stated that while fires were controlled in most areas, two locations continued to show visible flames. These areas are steep and inaccessible, making human intervention challenging.
To overcome these difficulties, officials have deployed drones to monitor the fire’s movement. The district administration is prepared to escalate efforts, including deploying helicopter services, if necessary.
Fire Service and SDRF personnel have been actively engaged in firefighting operations since receiving the initial report around 1 PM on March 17. Emergency response teams were strategically positioned along roads to establish fire lines and prevent further spread.
Despite successfully bringing the fire under control, authorities remain cautious, stressing that continuous monitoring is crucial due to unpredictable weather conditions. Local communities have also been advised to avoid any activities that might rekindle the blaze.
