Srinagar, Jan 15: A forest fire has been burning for six days in the Manzgam area of Upper Brein Nishat, on the outskirts of Srinagar, engulfing large stretches of forest, officials said on Thursday.

Teams from the Forest Department, Forest Protection Force, Wildlife Department, and Soil Conservation staff are engaged in firefighting efforts, but difficult terrain and lack of motorable roads have hampered operations.
Officials said personnel are reaching affected areas on foot, using manual methods to control the flames. Bushes and dry grass on the Zabarwan range slopes have caught fire, producing thick smoke across multiple locations.
Despite challenging conditions, teams are working to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby forest compartments. Locals reported continuous smoke and the smell of burning vegetation over several days. Authorities said the extent of damage will be assessed once the fire is fully contained.