SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Rescue teams, forest department officials and local residents managed to bring under control a raging fire on Monday after a three-day battle in Upper South Waziristan’s Ladha tehsil.

The fire, which broke out on Saturday evening in the Amzarey mountainous area, had been spreading rapidly, consuming thousands of precious trees.

A Rescue 1122 firefighters’ team along with the forest department officials and local residents worked tirelessly for three days to contain the blaze despite treacherous terrain and challenging conditions.

The local Mehsud tribes expressed their gratitude and admiration for the firefighters’ tireless efforts. “The firefighters risked their lives to save our forest and stop the blaze from spreading further,” a local resident said.

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Shan Wazir said the fire had spread across a six-kilometre stretch in the mountainous range, posing significant challenges for the rescue teams. “However, with their expertise, equipment and determination, the rescuers managed to contain the blaze and prevent further damage.”

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2024