Islamabad, 23 May 2025: Widespread Fires have broken out in several forested regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as Pakistan continues to grapple with an intense and prolonged heatwave.
The soaring temperatures, reaching as high as 48°C in some forest belts, have fuelled fears over the growing threat to both environmental stability and public safety.
The KP Forest Department disclosed that widespread fires were currently active in at least eight separate locations.
These include the Allah Dhand Batkhela forest zone, Kaldara in Dargai, and hilly terrains in Buner and Uski. Additional fire sites have been identified in Chakdara’s Bagh Kundi, Petu Dara in Timergara, and Adenzai.
READ MORE: Pakistan Swelters in Ongoing Severe Heatwave
A spokesperson from the department, Latifur Rehman, indicated that fires in Petu Dara and Adenzai had been successfully brought under control.
However, extinguishing efforts in the remaining areas remain ongoing due to difficult terrain, which continues to hinder access and operations.
Fire containment teams comprising members of the Forest Department, Rescue 1122, civil defence, and local volunteers have been deployed. They have been directed to remain on-site until the risk of reignition is fully mitigated.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast continued high temperatures throughout the week, with significantly above-average heat levels anticipated in forested and rural zones.
The rising mercury is drying vegetation to dangerous levels, making forests more susceptible to fires even from minor sparks or human negligence.
READ MORE: Pakistan Heatwave Alert: High Temps & Dust Storms
In response to the ongoing threat, authorities have advised citizens to avoid outdoor activities such as camping or cooking in wooded areas, particularly across the Hazara and Malakand regions.
The Forest Department has also called on the public to support prevention efforts and avoid behaviour that could contribute to further outbreaks.
With widespread fires posing a serious risk to ecosystems and communities, officials are emphasizing the urgent need for public awareness and collective responsibility.
