Dzukou inferno finally contained

Dimapur, January 9 (MExN): After four days of raging inferno in Dzukou Valley, which destroyed almost 15 square kilometers of greenery, the fire was finally dowsed Saturday around 1pm. SDO (civil) of Zubza, Akunu, informed that volunteers numbering more than 400 were able to contain the fire at a firebreak area near a stream separating “Knonoma Dzukou” and southern “Angami Dzukou.” The fire was sparked off by a group of campers from Catholic Youth Association of Sechu Zubza on January 4. The arduous operation was undertaken by volunteers from Knonoma village and other surrounding villages, with the help of personnel from the Home Guards and Fire department.
The  chairman of the Khonoma Village Council told The Morung Express that volunteers walked nearly six hours to put out the fire which was earlier advancing towards southern Dzukou. Fortunately, the inferno was contained at the three kilometer stretch of river. However, it is reported that sparks from amber may still cause  more fire, although villagers are hoping the weather will be in their favor.
Conservator of Forest, Panger Jamir  said the Forest department will assess the damage caused on the valley. This exercise may take some time. Jamir said the department will immediately deploy ground staff for the work. The Khonoma Village Council chairman also said that the fire has caused total destruction of flora and animal habitat. He regretted that such an incident took place – which again is not the first time – and urged campers to be more careful in future. The chairman also thanked the volunteers from various villages, the Home Guards, Fire department personnel, the Assam Rifles and the Forest department for their efforts in containing the fire which for once almost raged out of control.  
Earlier, the Jotsoma Village Council had informed that the fire had reached “Jotsoma Dzükou” and subsequently the village had pressed volunteers into action to stop the fire from causing further damage.