The fire in the Sundarban has been brought under control, but firefighting efforts will continue for at least another two days to ensure no traces of smoke or sparks linger in the area.
Divisional Foreign Officer Kazi Mohammad Nurul Karim stated, "There is no sign of fire in the area; the fire was brought under control but not completely extinguished when the firefighters wrapped up their operation on Sunday."
Lt Col Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Director of Operation and Maintenance at the Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence, mentioned, "Fire service officials will remain deployed in the area until the fire is completely extinguished. Over the next 2-3 days, ground analysis will be conducted, alongside close surveillance by drones."
He also informed journalists that a comprehensive assessment report by representatives of all agencies confirmed no further flames in the vicinity of the fire-affected area. While some areas still exhibit general smog, strict monitoring and control measures are in place.
Although leaves, vines, and bark of trees in the impacted zones suffered burns, the trees themselves were not destroyed, according to him.
Kazi Mohammad Nurul Karim mentioned that the forest department, along with the local community members, will commence afforestation in the affected areas soon after the area is declared free of any potential rekindling of flames.
The fire that broke out at Chandpai range of East Sundarbans in Bagerhat on May 3 originated in Latifs Chila area near Amurbunia patrol post of the mangrove forest.
Three teams of Navy joined the battle against the Sundarban blaze on May 6 as efforts are underway to douse the flames that broke out in the area near the Amurbunia patrol post of Jeudhara station within the Chandpai range of Sundarban East Forest Division.
UNO Tarek Sultan mentioned that the forest department, fire service personnel, local residents, Navy teams, and volunteers resumed their concerted efforts to douse the fire. Five units, led by Fire Service and Civil Defense Director of Operations Lt Col Tajul Islam, commenced fire extinguishing efforts. Additionally, three navy teams, in coordination with the forest department and numerous volunteers, are actively contributing to the firefighting endeavor.
Our correspondent reported that on Sunday evening, firefighting operations were temporarily halted around 6:00 pm due to safety concerns in the forest area at night.
