Kohima : A wildfire raging in the ecologically sensitive Dzukou Valley of Nagaland entered its third day on Sunday, prompting authorities to plan aerial firefighting operations as strong winds continued to drive the flames towards the Japfu mountain range.

Officials said the fire, which broke out on Friday, has spread steadily due to dry weather conditions and gusty winds, raising serious concerns for the fragile ecosystem of the valley and public safety. Initial assessments indicated that around 1.3 square kilometres of forest land had been affected, but the damaged area has since expanded across rugged and largely inaccessible terrain.

An official of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kohima, said the district administration has decided to requisition an Indian Air Force helicopter equipped with a Bambi bucket through the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority after reviewing the scale and intensity of the blaze. Aerial firefighting operations are expected to begin on Sunday.

Ground-level firefighting efforts remain severely constrained due to steep slopes, dense vegetation and the remote nature of the affected area. The fire is burning in forest land belonging to Khonoma village, located west of Kohima.

Authorities said preliminary investigations revealed that the blaze was accidentally triggered by four local trekkers who had lit a fire at their campsite. The situation worsened when the fire spread out of control after the trekkers left the site to fetch water.

The trekkers were later trapped by the advancing flames and were rescued on December 13 by volunteers of the Khonoma Youth Organisation. Officials confirmed that the individuals have admitted to igniting the fire.

An aerial survey conducted by government agencies showed extensive damage to large tracts of virgin forest, with the fire spreading in multiple directions. The survey was carried out using a helicopter after drone assessment was ruled out due to the difficult terrain and limited accessibility.

Volunteers from the Khonoma Youth Organisation are working alongside personnel from the police, fire and emergency services, forest department and disaster management authorities to contain the blaze. Officials warned that the fire continues to move slowly towards Hophera Thi near the Jotsoma-Khonoma border, increasing the risk of further spread into even more challenging terrain.

Dzukou Valley is renowned for its rare flora, alpine meadows and popular trekking routes. Conservation officials said prevailing dry conditions and strong winds have made the area particularly vulnerable to wildfires.

Authorities have urged the public to stay away from the valley and imposed a temporary ban on trekking and related activities until the fire is fully brought under control.

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