Southern Dzükou forest fire is largely contained on sixth day as IAF operations and ground teams continue efforts.
Share
KOHIMA — The Southern Dzükou fire entered its sixth day on Saturday, with surveillance teams reporting that the main Dzükou Valley is largely free from fire threat, though flames remain visible near the base camp.
Sources said that the fire is mostly contained, with smoke still visible in some pockets. Full containment is expected by Sunday.
The sources informed that Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted four rounds of bambi-bucket operations on Saturday. Although six sorties were planned, only four could be carried out due to technical issues.
RELATED: Dzükou fire update: Trekking restricted, teams battle blaze
IAF bucket ops hampered by low visibility at Dzükou
An update informed that the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima B Henok Buchem visited the entry point to Southern Dzükou at Viswema village on Saturday evening and held a detailed discussion with the surveillance team.
Ground reports stated that IAF bambi-bucket sorties helped douse the fire in several areas. Fire around the Dzükou helipad has been contained, and the main valley remains largely safe, though flames are still visible around the base camp.
Also read: Viswema Village Council expresses concern over Dzükou wildfire
The authorities have decided to mobilise around 150 personnel from the SDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, Forest department, Police, village defence bodies (DBs), drone pilots and operators, and SAYO volunteers for comprehensive manual intervention to extinguish and contain the fire on February 1.
The IAF will continue its bambi-bucket operations, officials said.