GUWAHATI: Panic spread through Dhemaji as a massive wildfire erupted in the Jiadhal forest area, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, on Sunday.
Eyewitnesses reported a blazing reddened sky as the fire rapidly consumed vast sections of the forest.
Fire tenders and official vehicles rushed to the scene in response to the emergency.
Initial reports suggested that the fire originated in the Jiadhal forest area and quickly spread, devastating significant portions of the forest land.
The precise cause of the massive wildfire remained unclear, with fire department officials yet to ascertain the details.
The incident unfolded in the late evening, believed to have started in a nearby tea garden before rapidly advancing into the adjoining forest.
The intensity of the flames prompted a large-scale response from firefighting crews.
Eyewitnesses shared their experience with a local daily, recalling, “Initially, we thought there was a minor fire at someone’s residence. However, as we came closer, we could see the reddened sky due to the massive flames. I was told that the fire broke out at the nearby garden and soon spread.”
The firefighting operations extended over a prolonged period, resulting in the destruction of several kilometres of forest land.
At one point, a fire-truck faced a precarious situation as it became momentarily surrounded by flames within the forest.
Fortunately, the vehicle emerged unscathed, and eventually, the fire tenders successfully extinguished the blaze.
An investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the inferno, and further details are anticipated to emerge in the coming days.
Earlier on December 19, a substantial fire erupted at a warehouse in the Jonai Migom Dolung area of Dhemaji.
According to the local press, the fire resulted in the extensive destruction of properties valued at several lakhs of rupees.
\Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the blaze.
