A major fire broke out on Monday in the pine forests of Kharara ghat along Shimla–Mandi National highway, engulfing a dense forest within a few minutes and causing massive green cover loss. There have been no casualties so far.

A senior forest department official said the fire, which started at around 5 pm, was put out by 10.30 pm.

Principal Conservator of Forests Ajay Srivastav said due to dry spells and rising temperature, the forest fires have caused a massive loss. He added that villagers are sometimes responsible for the surface fires as they believe it will help them get good quality fodder after monsoons.

Till now, 15,824 hectares of forest cover have been damaged in the hill state.

video credit: Ashwani Sharma