DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A huge fire broke out in the forests near Chashma Road in Kirri Khaisur area here on Sunday, burning down hundreds of trees.

However, locals said they were trying to put out the blaze as they alleged the Rescue 1122, the district administration and the forest department had yet to arrive at the spot to control the raging flames.

The locals said there was a police checkpost, a petrol pump and a market situated nearby.

“If the fire is not controlled as soon as possible, it can cause huge damage to forest and properties,” a local resident told Dawn.

No official concerned responded to the calls made by this reporter.

“From Chashma Road to Dhakki area, a large number of trees have been burnt to ashes,” another local resident said.

The residents demanded of the deputy commissioner to send firefighting teams to the area to put out the flames.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2023