Fire breaks out again in Sundarbans

A fire broke out in Chandpai range of the Sundarbans in Bagerhat yesterday, barely two weeks after a blaze damaged foliage on 1.66 acres of land in the largest mangrove forest.

The fire originated in Abdullah Chila area under Nangli Forest Camp of Dhan Sagar Station and gutted the nearby Pocha Koralia and Napitkhali areas, said forest officials.

Firefighters from Bagerhat with the help of locals were working to douse the flame. Forest officials also sought assistance from Khulna fire service, sources said.

It could not be immediately known what caused the fire.

Divisional Forest Officer (east) Saidul Islam said the damage from the fire was yet to be assessed. A committee, led by Assistant Forest Conservator Belayet Hossain, was formed to investigate the incident and it was asked to submit a report within 14 working days.

He said three fire engines from Bagerhat fire service were working to put out the blaze.

The DFO, however, claimed that the fire was under control.

Prof Dilip Dutta of Environmental Science Discipline at Khulna University said due to changes in tidal surge, the area remains dry most of the time and natural methane gas accumulates there.

Fire can break out there due to natural or man-made reasons. This fire is usually termed “ground fire”, he added.

On March 27, a fire broke out in the Chandpai range and gutted foliage on 1.66 acres of land in the forest. Firefighters with the help of locals brought the blaze under control.