SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) has issued a pre-fire alert, warning of a ‘Very High Forest Fire Risk’ in marked forest areas of Bandipora and Srinagar.
The alert is valid for three days, from April 1 to April 3. Authorities have advised residents to take necessary precautions and report any fire incidents immediately by dialling 112.
Given the heightened fire risk, authorities have also outlined several dos and don’ts to prevent forest fires and ensure public safety.
Among the recommended actions, residents are advised to close windows, vents, and other openings to prevent embers from entering their homes.
“Move animals and valuable goods to safer locations. After adventure activities, ensure that no bonfire or flame is left unattended,” the guidelines state.
The advisory also includes prohibitions, urging people to avoid smoking near vegetation or forested areas and not to panic in case of a sudden fire. It advises against entering the forest during a fire incident.
For prevention and preparedness, residents are instructed to keep emergency contact numbers for district fire services and forest authorities readily available.
“Immediately inform authorities if you notice an unattended or uncontrolled fire. Never leave a fire unattended near forested areas,” the guidelines emphasise.
Regarding evacuation protocols, the advisory instructs that in the event of an active forest fire, individuals should evacuate immediately if instructed by local authorities and take measures to protect themselves from flying sparks and ashes.
Residents are also advised to untie cattle and livestock to allow them to escape safely.
Before leaving home, people should remove combustible materials such as firewood, yard waste, gas cylinders, and fuel cans from their surroundings.
The advisory warns against attempting to outrun the fire and suggests seeking refuge in a pond or river if available.
“If no water source is nearby, lie in a depression with little vegetation and cover yourself with wet clothes, blankets, or soil. Breathe through a moist cloth to avoid smoke inhalation,” the guidelines state. (KNO)
