Bagaha/Patna: A major fire broke out in the dense forests of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in Bagaha on Friday, triggering panic among residents and raising fears of serious damage to the region’s wildlife and biodiversity.
The blaze was reported near the Valmiki Bihar Hotel, with flames and thick smoke visible across the area. Forest department teams, along with fire services, rushed to the spot to launch an intensive relief and rescue operation. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation is underway.
Officials said that although forest fires are not uncommon in summer, the scale and intensity of this incident could pose a significant threat to rare species and vegetation that inhabit the reserve. “We are making every effort to bring the fire under control,” a forest official said.
The local administration has urged residents to stay calm, avoid spreading rumours, and assist authorities in managing the situation. The firefighting operation is ongoing as teams continue to battle the blaze.
