A massive blaze in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province had destroyed about 284 hectares of forestland on Friday and two scenic forest sites in the province were also burnt, officials said.

Divisional forest officer Amjad Khan said that apparently the fire had been deliberately made by militants or timber mafia. However, more investigations are being made to determine the exact cause of the fire.

The flames destroyed scenic forests of Gandorai and Bisham areas, which are the country's summer tourist destinations, he added.

Residents said that the massive fire engulfed two water supply stations, a mosque and several houses in the nearby area.

A team of 200 forest officials and residents are trying hard to put out the fire by using their limited means, said Khan.

The local officials have asked the provincial government to provide helicopters for containing the fire, saying if not extinguished it may engulf more houses in the nearby area.

Source:
courtesy of XINHUA NEWS AGENCY

by Xinhua News

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