A massive forest fire that broke out around Sangachoeling Monastery and the Chenrezig Statue premises near Pelling, and a separate blaze at Khorung near Dentam, have been largely contained after coordinated efforts by local volunteers, the Geyzing fire station and the Forest department, officials said. The fire near Sangachoeling, which started at Lingchom cliff and spread towards Tikjek and lower slopes, began at about 7pm on Saturday and burned through the night; Forest department officials said nearly 90% of that blaze has now been brought under control, though small pockets remain and could re-ignite.
The separate wildfire at Khorung spread rapidly across steep, forested slopes but has also been largely contained, with forest personnel and fire brigade teams stationed in affected areas as a precaution. Both incidents damaged natural vegetation and wildlife habitat across two stretches of difficult terrain. Residents and nearby commercial establishments faced a tense night as flames advanced quickly over dry slopes.
Personnel from the Forest department, fire and emergency services and local volunteers conducted continuous firefighting operations on Sunday, battling steep terrain and dry conditions to prevent the flames reaching habitations. Divisional Forest Officer (Territorial) Jigmee Tshewang Sharngoe said the first incident near Sangachoeling was reported around 7:30pm and a quick response team including forest officials, police and fire services was immediately deployed. Fire lines were created and controlled burning used to check the advance of flames, containing about 70% of the fire on the first night, he said.
Sharngoe confirmed information about another fresh fire at Lingchom cliff received around 2am on Sunday and said teams were dispatched despite the very steep slopes. “It was not an easy task to contain the fire on such steep slopes. However, due to the sincere efforts of the Forest department, fire and emergency services and local volunteers, the fires at two locations were successfully brought under control. Priority was given to preventing any loss of life and damage to property,” he said.
Ecclesiastical department secretary Kessang Rechung, accompanied by the department chairperson and OSD (Ecclesiastical), and officials from the Geyzing district administration visited the affected areas on Sunday to review the situation and assess damage. The Forest department said prolonged dry weather and below‑average rainfall in the region have worsened fire risk and appealed to the public to refrain from burning agricultural waste or garbage, to keep fires attended, and not to discard cigarette butts along roadsides. Authorities warned of strict legal action against those violating fire‑safety rules and urged community cooperation in forest fire management.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/fire-near-sangachoeling-monastery-and-at-dentams-khorung-largely-contained-says-forest-dept
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