RAJOURI, May 25, 2026 : A massive forest fire broke out in the Nowshera belt of Jammu and Kashmirโs Rajouri district on Monday, causing extensive damage to large stretches of forest land, officials said.
According to officials, the blaze erupted under mysterious circumstances and rapidly spread across several areas in the Nowshera region due to dry vegetation and prevailing weather conditions.
Soon after receiving information about the incident, teams from the Forest Department, Jammu and Kashmir Fire and Emergency Services, along with local volunteers, launched a major operation to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further.
Videos circulating on social media showed vast stretches of forest engulfed in flames, while distress calls of birds, including peacocks, could reportedly be heard in the background. The visuals triggered widespread concern among local residents and environmental activists, who appealed to authorities to intensify efforts to protect wildlife and control the blaze at the earliest.
Officials said firefighting teams are working continuously in the challenging terrain to bring the situation under control and safeguard the ecologically sensitive forest area.
The fire has reportedly destroyed large patches of plantation and other forest resources, causing significant ecological damage. However, no loss of human life or injuries have been reported so far.
Authorities said the exact cause behind the forest fire is yet to be ascertained.
