According to statistics provided by the Forest Department, as on Wednesday a total area of 4223 hectares had been affected by 1965 incidents of forest fires in different parts of the state. The maximum incidents- 680 had been reported from Pauri district. According to the official data, the forest fire incidents reported so far have caused a damage evaluated at Rs 81,63,381. At least four persons have been wounded so far apart from as yet unconfirmed number of wildlife injuries and deaths due to the forest fires. About 2772 local persons and 1087 vehicles have been involved in fighting the forest fires in the state, according to officials. It is pertinent to mention here that the Forest Department had declared an alert in the state, cancelling leaves of its field staff and stepped up activity but various factors have led to continuation in incidents of forest fires in the State.
