Firefighters control 95% of Sundarbans blaze

Firefighters contained 95 per cent of a fire in the Shapla Bil area of the Sundarbans by Monday afternoon, a day after it erupted. 

Sakria Haider, Deputy Assistant Director of Bagerhat Fire Station, said sporadic flames and smoke lingered at tree bases despite water from the Bhola River being deployed since 1:00pm. 

Earlier, efforts stalled due to scarce water, awaiting tidal support.  

Authorities aim to fully douse the blaze by Monday night; five acres of forest have been razed. 

Md Abu Bakar Zaman of Khulna Fire Service reported 41 firefighters from eight units worked overnight, joined by 35 from six units Monday. 

“No nearby water made it tough—we relied on tides,” he said. Locals aided firefighters and Forest Department teams.  

A three-member probe, set up by East Zone Divisional Forest Officer Kazi Muhammad Nurul Karim, will investigate the cause and biodiversity toll. 

Chief Conservator Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury announced plans to dig ponds and dredge rivers like Bhola and Khorma for future water access. A separate probe into possible sabotage—after fires hit a 7-km span in a day—starts Tuesday. 

Fires first flared Saturday at Tepar Bil and Sunday at Shapla Bil, fueled by dry leaves.  

Source: UNB