Srinagar, Jan 11: Dry bushes caught fire in the upper reaches of Brein Nishat in Srinagar during the intervening night, causing concern among locals after faint smoke was seen rising from the hilly area on Sunday morning.

A Fire and Emergency Services official said that no fire tenders were dispatched to the affected area as the road leading to the upper reaches of Brein Nishat is not motorable. The official said the fire was reported in a difficult terrain and there was no immediate threat to habitations.
Meanwhile, the Range Office of Dachigam National Park has clarified that no fire incident has occurred within the Dachigam area, countering reports circulated by a section of the media.
Officials from the range said the smoke visible in the sky was confined to the upper areas of Brein Nishat and had no connection with Dachigam. They advised media organizations to verify facts with concerned authorities before circulating any news related to forest or wildlife areas.
Locals said faint smoke continued to be visible from a distance in the upper reaches of Brein Nishat, though no major flames or spread of fire were reported till the filing of this report.
Authorities said the situation is being monitored and further assessment will be carried out if required.