DHAKA, March 22, 2025 (BSS) - Patrol teams of the Forest Department spotted a fire in the Kalam Teji area under the Chandpai Range of the Sundarbans East Forest Division this afternoon (Saturday).

Upon receiving the news, the Divisional Forest Officer and the Chandpai Range Officer along with the Assistant Conservator of Forests rushed to the spot.

Firefighting efforts were immediately initiated with the support of Forest Department personnel, members of the Village Conservation Forum, the Village Tiger Response Team, the Community Patrol Group, and over a hundred volunteers.

To prevent the fire from spreading, a fire line has been created around the affected area, said a press release of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change tonight.

As the fire site is about three kilometers inland from the nearest river or canal, direct water supply remains challenging. However, the fire is currently confined to the forest floor and has not spread to the upper canopy.

The Forest Department’s fire engine can supply water up to one kilometer, while efforts are underway with Fire Service assistance to transport water to the fire site three kilometers away. This effort has already seen success.

With the collective efforts of everyone, it is hoped that the fire will be fully brought under control by tonight, according to the Forest Department.
Adviser to the Ministry Syeda Rizwana Hasan along with senior officials from the ministry and the Forest Department are continuously monitoring the situation and providing necessary instructions to this end.