Fires raging through community forests in Nepal’s Banke district have displaced wildlife, including deer and boar, according to Shamsherganj Sub Divisional Forest Officer Sushil Subedi. While no financial losses have been reported, the fires pose a significant threat to the region’s animals.
Subedi blames the increased risk on unusually dry conditions this year. Strong winds and hot weather have hampered efforts to contain the fires, which have impacted forests in several municipalities. To date, 100 hectares across 63 community forests have been damaged.
Authorities have mobilized eight fire watchers and deployed a firefighting vehicle in an ongoing effort to control the blazes. The Kotihimai, Samya Bhawani, and Rani Community Forest User Committees have reported the most severe losses.
