Fires on Margalla hills controlled after 9 hours

ISLAMABAD: As heatwave persisted in the federal capital like other parts of the country, the fire which erupted at three different sites on Margalla Hills was controlled after hectic efforts of over nine hours.

Supported by two helicopters of the 6th Aviation Wing of Pakistan Army, the teams of Capital Development Authority (CDA), Rescue 11 from Rawalpindi, fire brigade headquarters and over 200 fire-fighters of Environment Wing of CDA, participated in fire extinguishing efforts.

Fire near Trail Three and two other sites was reported at around 11am and spokesman of CDA at 8:30 pm announced that the situation was completely under control.

On the directives of prime minister and interior minister, it was CDA chairman who personally supervised the whole fire-fighting operation. “Fire-fighting efforts faced difficulties due to severe heat and winds blowing across,” he said. Two helicopters undertook multiple sorties between Rawal Lake and sites of fire and poured water with buckets hanging with rope.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on receiving the report of fire, directed concerned organizations to utilize all possible resources to extinguish the fire and ensure that no loss is caused to any human life.