Left (Naro Gewog) Right (Kawang Gewog)

Two Forest Fires Devastate Thimphu

Thimphu residents awoke to a thick blanket of smoke as two devastating forest fires engulfed parts of Kawang and Naro Gewogs, burning over 656 acres of forest and leaving eight homes destroyed in Naro. Authorities suspect human activity in one fire, while the other was caused by a fallen tree on a transmission line, sparking renewed calls for preventive measures.

The first fire, which originated above Wangkawog Chiwog in Kawang Gewog, scorched 60 acres of the Nobrig Community Forest. It began on the evening of January 8, 2024, around 4 PM and reignited at midnight, spreading rapidly.

Mangmi Sonam Dorji confirmed that the fire has been contained, thanks to the collective efforts of the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA), Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), Royal Body Guard (RBG), DeSuups, local community members, and forestry officials.

No casualties were reported, and authorities suspect human activity as there are no electric poles in the area that could have triggered the blaze.

In Naro Gewog, a fire broke out on January 4, 2024, burning 596.14 acres and spreading to Barshong village. The blaze destroyed eight houses, leaving two households with all their belongings lost, while others managed to salvage some possessions. Fortunately, no one was inside the houses at the time of the fire.

Unlike the Kawang fire, the cause of the Naro blaze was identified as a fallen tree hitting a transmission line, which ignited the fire. Strong gusty winds accelerated its spread.

“This kind of incident has never occurred before, and it could have been avoided if the trees around the transmission lines had been cleared,” said Gyem Tshering, the Gup of Naro Gewog.

“For three years, we have been appealing to officials at the Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC) and the Department of Forest and Park Services (DoFPS) to address this issue. We asked for either the forest around the electric poles to be cleared or preventive measures to be taken. However, no action was taken because one agency could not grant permission while the other lacked full commitment to help,” he said.

“We are still at risk because many electric poles from Doedena to Naro Gewog are located within the forest,” the Gup said.

Bep Tshering, a Park Ranger Officer at Lingzhi, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park, said, “Yes, we received copies of the appeals from the Gewog Administration Office. However, BPC has also expressed concerns, stating that implementing such measures would result in significant tree loss and would need to be replicated across all dzongkhags.”

As a ranger, he recommended placing transmission lines in open areas, such as along roads, to reduce risks. “Many transmission lines currently pass through dense forests. Although relocating them would involve considerable costs, it is a viable solution if feasible,” he said.

Discussing the wildlife impact of the Naro Gewog fire, the ranger shared that no domestic animals were lost. However, during post-fire inspections, the team discovered a few dead wild animals, including one Himalayan monal pheasant and two squirrels.

“The affected area is a prime habitat for species such as the Himalayan monal pheasant and musk deer. While we only found one dead monal pheasant, fires like these pose significant risks to wildlife,” he added.

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