The forest fire in Amarbunia camp of Chandpai range under Sundarban East Forest Division in Morelganj Upazila of Bagerhat district is now under control. The fire did not spread to the top of the tree or branches, only spread sporadically above the ground. Apart from forest department, several units of fire service, navy, police, district administration, upazila administration, public representatives, CPG, volunteers and local people are providing assistance in extinguishing the fire. Besides, an Air Force helicopter also assisted in extinguishing the fire by sprinkling water from above.
The fire was first reported on Saturday 4 May 2024 at approximately 3.30 pm. As soon as the incident of fire was reported, the people of the forest department as well as the fire service and other related government agencies reached the spot. Forest department personnel started cutting fire lines around the fire with the help of local community patrolling groups, village tiger response teams and local people. But due to low tide at that time there was no water in the canal so it was not possible to give water to the fire. However, the forest department’s own fire fighting equipment and water machine were brought in at night and it was prepared and set with pipes. From early today, the forest department workers, fire service, local people, CPG, CMC people started cutting the fire line around the fire place and dousing the fire with water.
Around the place of fire, the work of cutting the fire line covering an area of about 5 acres is going on. However, since the fire is spreading underground through the roots of the trees, the fire has to be extinguished with caution. Although the fire is under control, fire fighting activities will continue here for the next few days. Because the forest fire seems to be extinguished or controlled for the time being but again at any time it can be created anew and spread. A 3-member committee has been formed by the forest department to investigate the exact cause of the fire.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury and the Secretary of the Ministry. Farhina Ahmed has been supervising and coordinating the Sundarbans firefighting operations round the clock. Hon’ble Prime Minister is aware of the matter and is keeping a regular check. Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury went to the scene of Sundarbans to supervise the activities on the ground. He will brief the journalists at the office of the Divisional Forest Officer of Sundarban West Forest Division in Khulna today at 8:30 pm regarding the latest progress and action in this regard