Margalla Hills in Pakistan's capital engulfed by fire

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) – Hundreds of firefighters, aided by helicopters, struggled to put out a series of fires that engulfed the picturesque Margalla Hills in Pakistan's capital of Islamabad, an official said on Tuesday.

At least two fires broke out on Trail 3 of the Margallah Hills on Monday, which were extinguished by firefighters supported by helicopters after a seven-hour operation.

The fire, however, spread to an adjoining range on Tuesday, Kamran Aslam, a Capital Development Authority (CDA) spokesman told Anadolu.

So far, no casualties have been reported.

“Over 80% of the fire has been extinguished, whereas firefighters are trying to control the remaining fire,” he said.

Some 200 firefighters and two helicopters are taking part in the ongoing operation.

Margalla Hills, which stretches 34 kilometers (21 miles), is caught by periodic fires, mainly during the summer due to heat waves and dry weather.

The specific reasons behind the latest fires, according to Aslam, will be ascertained after a “thorough” investigation.

In a related development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to act swiftly to control the blaze.

According to a statement from his office, Sharif ordered authorities to “immediately” mobilize and initiate operations to control the fire.