Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 5 (HBTV): Himachal Pradesh’s Forest department has recorded more than 1,500 forest fire incidents in the state. Per data available with the department, over 13,000 hectares of forest land have been damaged in fire incidents reported during the past 50 days.   

The fire season in the hill state starts from April 15 to June 30.  

"Till now, there have been over 1,500 incidents of forest fire in Shimla. In these incidents, over 13,000 hectares of forest land have been burnt. Forest department officials are working to protect the forests.  

Fortunately, there has been no human loss, and the forest department team is reaching each fire incident," Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Rajiv Kumar said.  

Making an appeal to locals to cooperate with the Forest department in curbing forest fires, Rajiv said, ‘During the past two years, the forest fires were not as frequent, but with a large accumulation of pine leaves, the incidents are increasing.’ 

‘With development, the public’s connection with the forests has reduced. So far, there have been no human casualties reported. However,  it has affected wildlife in the forests. The forest fire incidents have reduced, and it is ongoing in 4 to 5 places, and we remain on alert for this.’ 

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla also expressed concern at the increasing forest incidences of fire. The governor appealed to the locals not to throw sticks into the forest after burning them. 

(ANI) This is a syndicated news feed. HBTV has edited it for clarity.