Bagerhat, Mar 22 (V7N) – A fire has broken out in the Kalamteji Forest Patrol Outpost area of the Chandpai Range in the Eastern Sundarbans, continuing to burn for over ten hours as firefighting efforts struggle with limited water access.

The fire, which began on Saturday morning, has yet to be contained as of this report. Forest guards are attempting to control the spread by cutting fire lines, but the lack of nearby water sources is hindering their efforts.

"The fire that broke out on Saturday morning could not be extinguished by noon. Till the evening of writing this report, it was not possible to bring the fire under control in about 10 and a half hours," a local source reported.

According to sources, the fire was first spotted by locals around 7 a.m. in the Teperbil area. Forest guards immediately responded, but the fire's location, approximately two and a half kilometers from the nearest forest canal, has made firefighting challenging.

"Due to lack of sufficient water, the fire is being brought under control quickly. Forest guards are trying to control the fire by cutting the fireline," a forest official stated.

Forester Bipuleshwar Das, officer of Dhansagar Station in Chandpai Range, confirmed the difficulty in accessing water. He indicated that they plan to use water pumps via the canal if the tide rises.

"The fire is burning in the deep forest about two to two and a half kilometers away from the forest canal. There is no source of water nearby. If the tide rises in the canal, water will be pumped by waterway," said Forester Bipuleshwar Das.

Two fire service units from Morelganj and Sharankhola are currently on the scene, assisting with the firefighting efforts.

Local residents, including former UP member Panna Mia and Fazlur Rahman, reported seeing smoke rising from the Teperbil area and alerted Dhansagar station officials.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Bagerhat, East Sundarbans Division, Kazi Muhammad Nurul Karim, stated that measures are being taken to control the fire.

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