Forest fire in Ungma contained after three days

A forest fire that broke out in Ungma village on April 3 has been successfully contained after burning for three consecutive days. Strong winds earlier on April 5, had worsened the situation, causing the fire to spread rapidly and threatening larger stretches of forest and nearby farmlands.

Village volunteers and residents, alongside firefighters and personnel from the Assam Rifles and police, worked tirelessly under challenging conditions — battling dry weather, rugged terrain, and gusty winds.

“All the men in the village have gone to contain the fire,” a resident had told MT earlier.

Chairman of Ungma Village Council, Nungshi Jamir, informed MT that the fire was initially brought under control yesterday evening, but it reignited this morning in the same area.

Neighbouring villages Khensa and Kubza, as well as the ward authorities of Marepkong, Mongsenbai, and Kumlong of Mokokchung town, were alerted by the Ungma Village Council as a precautionary measure.

The Ungma Village Council has extended gratitude to the volunteers, police, Assam Rifles personnel, fire brigade, and well-wishers for their support during the firefighting efforts.

The exact extent of the damage caused by the fire or the total area affected is yet to be assessed. However, this is one of the largest wildfires reported in Mokokchung in recent times.

 Twin wildfires near Mokokchung town contained
Even as the Ungma wildfire raged on, two other wildfires were reported in villages around Mokokchung town today.

Fortunately, both were brought under control and extinguished in time by the respective villagers.

The first incident was reported in Mokokchung village, where the wildfire spread near the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) landfill area, about 15 km from the town. Villagers, along with MMC staff, are reported to have brought the fire under control.

The second wildfire occurred in the Molungkong area of Mopungchuket village, also located about the same distance from Mokokchung town. The village council sounded the alarm, and the menfolk rushed to the spot and successfully contained the fire.

No casualties or major damages have been reported.

MT