A wildfire sweeping through the forested mountains of Haripur has intensified, burning across several miles and threatening nearby communities.
Despite ongoing efforts, the fire remains uncontained for the third consecutive day.
According to the district administration on Sunday, the blaze has impacted areas including Srikot, Bagniyan, Gadwalian, and Tanawal, with strong winds fueling its rapid spread. Local authorities have deployed helicopters to douse the flames in the hilly terrain of Srikot and Gadwalian, but the challenging landscape and dry conditions have made firefighting efforts extremely difficult.
Forests in the tehsils of Khanpur and Ghazi are also under severe threat. The fire has caused a noticeable rise in temperature and pollution levels across the district, creating health hazards for local residents.
Environmental experts warn of long-term damage to biodiversity and forest cover if the fire continues to burn unchecked. Authorities are urging people in surrounding areas to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines as emergency teams work around the clock to control the blaze.