Wildfire in Jaisalmer razes thousands of acres, threatens defence establishments

Jaisalmer: A massive wildfire broke out near Nachna town of Jaisalmer district Saturday, devouring thousands of acres of forest land, razing roadside establishments and triggering widespread alarm. Police have cordoned off the entire area and no casualties have been reported in the incident so far.The blaze reportedly began around 4pm in dense shrubland near an intersection around 2 kms from Nachna town. Fanned by strong winds and intense heat, the fire quickly engulfed an estimated 4 sq km of forest land. The uncontrolled blaze resulted in thick smoke and towering flames that were visible from several kilometres away.The proximity of the fire to an Army Combat Training Centre and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) campus added to the severity of its threat, with civil and military authorities maintaining high alert as the fire advanced towards them."Timely action prevented the fire from reaching the sensitive military establishments, with no damage to structures or loss of life reported so far," said deputy superintendent of police Gajendra Singh.Senior district administration and police officials rushed to the spot, together with forest department teams, army jawans and local villagers. Nine fire tenders, including some driven in from Pokhran and Jaisalmer, were pressed into service, with additional backup from the Army's firefighting vehicles. Grave concerns remain over the extensive damage to natural forest wealth and possible threats to wildlife as the fire turned trees, shrubs and vegetation to ashes across thousands of acres. "Significant forest and wildlife resources have been destroyed," DSP Sing confirmed.More than half a dozen kutcha shops, tea stalls and dhabas at the intersection were also engulfed in flames. While some shopkeepers said they managed to save their stocks and goods partially, others reported heavy losses. The affected traders have appealed to the district administration for compensation.Despite sustained efforts, the fire kept smouldering and reigniting intermittently and could not be fully controlled till late at night, when reports last came in. Some local villagers expressed anger over the absence of a permanent fire department in Nachna, warning that such gaps could lead to major loss of life in the future.