Pakistan Army and PAF helicopters finally extinguish Margalla Hills fire
Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) helicopters joined efforts to extinguish Margalla hills fire in the capital Islamabad.
National Disaster Management Authority said that the fire which erupted on Thursday in Kalanger village situated at Margalla hills has been extinguished by Friday night.
The NDMA chairperson thanked Pakistan Armed Forces and Cabinet Division for their cooperation to douse the fire.
“Due to the efforts of Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Airforce and Cabinet Division no casualty was reported during the fire,” the NDMA chairperson said.
Capital Development Authority (CDA) informed that at least a 100 firefighters and as many as 150 members of other authorities took part in the operation.
“Four helicopters including PAF busy in extinguishing fire using bambie buckets,” the Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement.
Margalla Hills fire occurred on Thursday night, particularly the parts behind Daman-e-Koh and the Naval Headquarters with the flames spreading at a slower pace on Friday.
The flames behind Daman-e-Koh were brought under control by the locals, who usually use sticks to put out forest fires, as firefighters are unable to reach these areas on short notice.
Capital Development Authority (CDA) officials said the fire is not seasonal, which are usually caused by scorching summer temperatures. Officials are still trying to ascertain the cause of the fire.
However, they do suspect that the fire must have been caused by human error, such as a cigarette.