A wildfire broke out in Islamabad’s Margalla Hills on Sunday, with fires reported at two separate locations, including the Mangial area. Thick plumes of smoke rising from the hills were visible across parts of the capital, sparking concern among nearby residents.
Due to the intense heat and dry weather conditions, the fire continues to grow in intensity and is spreading rapidly.
Most concurringly, firefighters from the CDA and staff of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board have so far been unable to reach the affected area to contain the blaze, according to media reports. The lack of access and harsh weather conditions have raised fears of severe damage to valuable forests and wildlife in the region.
It is worth mentioning here that the Margalla range, part of the Himalayan foothills, often experiences bushfires in the summer months. Last year, several incidents of forest fire were reported in the hills as various parts of the country remained in the grip of intense heatwaves.
Last year, 2025, a fire broke out near Saidpur Darra, Jungle Number 15 and Rumli areas on the hills, prompting an immediate response from the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) fire brigade and officials of the district administration. “More than 70 firefighters are participating in the operation to control the fire,” the district administration said in a statement.
“The fire was brought under control once, but it broke out again.” No casualties or property damage had been reported in the wake of the fire, according to authorities.
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