Western Dzükou fire brought under control on day four as volunteers and IAF helicopters contain smoke, area closed temporarily.
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KOHIMA — After sustained firefighting efforts, the western Dzükou fire has reportedly been brought under control on the fourth day since it broke out. However, the area will remain temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
An official update on Monday stated that Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B Henok Buchem, along with SDO (Civil) Sechü-Zubza Imliakum, Nodal Officer Thejangulie Zao, District Commandant HG, CD & SDRF Wopenthung, and other district officials from the Police, Forest department, and Fire and Emergency Services, visited the base camp of teams engaged in combating the fire at Khonoma.
During the visit, Khonoma youth representatives, SDRF personnel, and officials from various government agencies briefed the team on the ground situation.
They informed that an inspection team sent to the affected area on Monday reported the presence of smoke emanating from burnt bushes, but no active flames were observed.
The update stated that the smoke has been contained, with Khonoma youth volunteers, SDRF, and Forest department personnel remaining on site.
Indian Air Force helicopters were also deployed, operating Bambi buckets to suppress and contain residual smoke.
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Khonoma youth representatives expressed gratitude for the support and assistance rendered by all stakeholders during the crisis.
They highlighted that the rescue and response operations were possible due to prior training initiatives undertaken by the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) and conducted by the SDRF.
The adviser of Khonoma Youth Organisation (KYO) also thanked the deputy commissioner, in his capacity as chairman of District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), for the successful coordination of the operation.
The update further stated that discussions were held on whether to continue the operation.
While the helicopter team from Kharagpur, along with youth volunteers and SDRF personnel, expressed confidence that the fire had been contained, it was decided that a team would trek again to western Dzükou on Tuesday (December 16) to further assess the ground situation.
The DC expressed gratitude to all those involved and particularly applauded the spirit of human compassion displayed by the team, especially the people of Khonoma.
Earlier in the day, Advisor NSDMA & NRE Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, accompanied by district officials, conducted an aerial survey of both the western and southern Dzükou areas using a helicopter to assess the overall fire situation.