Margalla Hills fire put out with army’s help

ISLAMABAD: The fire, which erupted at three sites on Margalla Hills, had been brought under control with well-coordinated operation supported by helicopters of 6th Aviation Wing of Pakistan Army on Monday evening.

The sources in the Capital Development Authority (CDA) said that fire at three sites on Pir Sohawa and near Saidpur village was reported at around 2pm and was extinguished gradually by 8pm.

On directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, three helicopters of 6th Aviation Wing of Pakistan Army joined fire-extinguishing operation and undertook many sorties till completion of the operation,.

Later, the prime minister also praised joint efforts of 6th Aviation Wing of Pakistan Army, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), CDA, Climate Change Division and Islamabad administration to control fire.

He said that helicopters of Prime Minister House and 6th Aviation Wing also participated in the operation. The fire-fighters of CDA rushed to sites where fire engulfed vast areas on Margalla Hills and launched operation with manual efforts.

The helicopters of of Pakistan Army Aviation were called out to support fire-fighting efforts as fire started expanding and engulfing more areas. “ Fire at all three sites was controlled within six hours,” the sources said.

The sources said that no loss of lives was reported from any site. However, bushes and green areas were damaged. The prime minister, meanwhile, has directed for restoration of areas damaged by fire and treatment of injured animals if any.

The actual cause of fire was not known but increased heat wave is said be the main reason as maximum temperature in Islamabad on Monday was recorded 41 celcius (40 and above for the 8th consecutive day since May 20).