Raging forest fires have become a major cause for concern, as they are not only resulting in fast depletion of trees but also are greatly affecting humans and wildlife. The authorities and local people have been facing a tough time containing fires that are spreading through the jungles across the country, thanks to prolonged dry spell and windy weather condition. A fresh forest fire in the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, the only hunting reserve in the country, in Myagdi district has put wildlife in Gurja area at risk. “Dry trees catch fire easily and the blaze just spreads through the jungle in no time,” said Jhak Bahadur Chhantyal, a local of Gurja. A team of security personnel was struggling to contain the fire till Thursday evening.Around 350,000 hectares of forest cover has been reported to have been destroyed by wildfires in the past 45 days. – THE KATHMANDU POST