Srinagar, Jan 15: Special firefighting teams from Gaw Kadal Fire Station were seen trekking on foot to the Zabarwan Hills on Thursday to battle a forest fire raging in the Upper Nishat forest belt on Srinagar’s outskirts.

The fire, burning for six days in the Manzgam area of Upper Brein Nishat, has spread across the Zabarwan Hills, consuming large stretches of forest. Steep and rocky terrain has prevented vehicle access, forcing teams to carry equipment on foot.
Officials said personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services, Forest Department, Forest Protection Force, Wildlife Department, and Soil Conservation are working under challenging conditions. Dry grass and bushes have fueled the blaze, producing thick smoke across the slopes.
Firefighters are using manual tools and improvised methods to control the fire. Despite exhaustion and tough conditions, teams continue efforts to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby forest areas. Authorities said containment operations are ongoing, and the full extent of damage will be assessed once the fire is controlled.