The unabated forest fire in North Kashmir’s Kupwara range had caused massive damaged to flora and fauna. The compartment number 8 and 9 at Kandi Khas Kegam in Kupwara are on fire from past two consecutive days while locals and forest department are still unable to douse the flames. Range Officer Kupwara, Abdul Rashid said that they have so far failed to extinguish the flames due to lack of appropriate tools and manpower. He however, added that 50% forest fire has been controlled. Locals told CNS that fire is rapidly advancing causing extensive damage to flora and fauna. “Flames of the fire could be seen from a long distance and the temperature of the area has increased,” said a local. A series of similar wildfire incidents in past have destroyed a large forest area in Central and North Kashmir. (CNS)