Sundarbans fire almost under control, but smoke still rising in parts of Shaplar Beel

The fire in the Sundarbans' Eastern Forest Division has nearly been brought under control. However, small flames and smoke were still visible in multiple spots in the Shaplar Beel area of Teisher Chhila as of 11am this morning (25 March).

Fire Service and Civil Defence personnel continue to spray water wherever smoke or fire is detected, patrolling the affected area along with the Forest Department. 

Due to the presence of lingering flames, firefighters will keep monitoring the area throughout the day. 

Five firefighting units are drawing water from the dead Bhola River and spraying it to extinguish the remaining fire.

The fire in Shaplar Beel has spread across at least four acres, burning down vines and undergrowth in the forest.

Abu Bakkar Zaman, assistant director (AD) of Khulna Fire Service and Civil Defence, said that their operations have been dependent on tidal water. "Water was sprayed throughout Monday night, and by then, the fire was almost gone.

"However, on Tuesday morning, we spotted minor smoke and flames in 8-10 locations while spraying tidal water. These were very small, and we immediately doused them with water."

"The fire is mostly burning beneath fallen leaves. We are continuing full-scale efforts to put it out completely. The affected area will remain under observation throughout the day," he added.

The fire first broke out last Friday (21 March) in the Kolomteji Patrol Outpost area under the Dhan Sagar Station of the Chandpai Range in the Eastern Sundarbans.

While efforts to control it were still ongoing, another fire was reported in Shaplar Beel on Sunday afternoon (23 March). The Fire Service and Forest Department immediately began firefighting operations that night.

Since Sunday night, 10 firefighting units have been working together to put out the flames.

To prevent further spread, the Forest Department and local villagers have created fire lines.