A fire broke out in Southern Dzükou Valley, prompting the Kohima Deputy Commissioner to order a reconnaissance and containment operation.
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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.
Meanwhile, Kohima Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem on Tuesday morning issued an order detailing a team for reconnaissance and containment operations in view of the reported outbreak.
The team will be led by Vineikho Tetso, SDO, Jakhama, and will include the SDPO (South), the District Commandant of Home Guards, the Ranger of the Forest Department, the Nodal Officer of DDMA Kohima, the Officer-in-Charge of Fire and Emergency Services, and representatives of SAYO.
The deputy commissioner directed the team to proceed to the site, assess the situation and mobilise all available resources to prevent further spread of the fire. He also instructed the team to submit regular reports for further course of action.