Bagerhat, Mar 22 (V7N)-  A fire broke out in the Kalmetji Forest Patrol Outpost area of Chadpai Range in the Sundarbans East Forest Division, Bagerhat, on Saturday (March 22) morning. Smoke was first seen rising from the Teperbil area, prompting immediate action from the Forest Department and the Fire Service.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Md. Nurul Karim confirmed the fire in the afternoon. Four units of the Fire Service, including teams from Sharankhola and Morelganj, have reached the site and started initial firefighting efforts. Two additional units from Rampal and Kachua have also been dispatched. However, controlling the fire has been challenging due to the lack of a nearby water source.

Locals reported that forest workers rushed to the scene upon receiving information, but efforts have been hampered by the fire’s remote location. The fire is burning deep in the forest, approximately two to two-and-a-half kilometers from the nearest canal. Without immediate access to water, forest guards have resorted to cutting firelines around the blaze to prevent it from spreading further.

Sharankhola Fire Station Officer Abtad-e-Alam stated that their units are coordinating efforts, but the absence of a direct water source is slowing operations. Meanwhile, Forester Bipuleshwar Das from Dhansagar Station mentioned that if the canal's tide rises, they plan to pump water through the waterway to aid in extinguishing the flames.

DFO Kazi Muhammad Nurul Karim reiterated that officials are en route to the site and will assess the full extent of the damage upon arrival. He acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, saying, "Since the water source is far from the fire, controlling it may take some time. However, forest workers and fire service teams are making every effort to bring the situation under control. Fireline work is already underway to prevent further spread."

Authorities remain on high alert as efforts continue to prevent the fire from engulfing a larger area of the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest mangrove forest.

END/MSS/AJ