Fire breaks out in Southern Dzükou Valley; Kohima DC orders containment operation

KOHIMA — A fresh fire outbreak was reported in the Southern Dzükou Valley on Monday afternoon, barely a month after a major wildfire in the western part of the valley was brought under control.

Sources from the Jakhama Youth Organisation said the fire had been largely doused by Monday evening but was still smouldering at the time of filing this report.

According to the source, the blaze is believed to have started around 1 pm, with information first circulating through social media and tour guides by about 1:30 pm.

Following the reports, volunteers from the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) were rushed to the site in the evening but were unable to fully extinguish the fire. Some local guides were present in Dzükou at the initial stage of the incident but reportedly did not attempt to approach the flames due to safety concerns.

The source said the fire is suspected to have originated from a cigarette butt dropped unintentionally by trekkers, although no official confirmation has been issued. No suspects have been detained, and there is no indication so far that the fire was started deliberately.

He added that the dry leaf litter in the valley and windy conditions may have contributed to the spread of the fire, while winter dew at night is believed to have helped slow it down. The fire, he said, was not as extensive as initially feared, though it was still burning in parts.