Massive wildfire sweeps through Nagaland's Wokha district, emergency teams deployed

A devastating wildfire swept through Humtso and Wokha villages in Nagaland’s Wokha district on the afternoon of March 17, causing extensive damage to agricultural fields and plantations. Authorities suspect the fire originated from jhum cultivation, a traditional slash-and-burn farming practice.

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in Wokha received the first alert around 1 PM, following which immediate firefighting efforts were launched to contain the rapidly spreading flames. However, strong winds exacerbated the situation, making control efforts challenging. Firefighters utilized multiple strategies, including creating fire lines near residential areas, but the fire continued to spread uncontrollably.

Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Fire & Emergency Services worked tirelessly, battling the blaze until 12:55 AM on Tuesday. Despite their efforts, two locations remained engulfed in flames by Tuesday afternoon. According to Nuhuta Tunyi, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) (Civil) Wokha, these areas were in steep, inaccessible terrain, making ground intervention difficult. Authorities deployed drones for monitoring and indicated the possibility of aerial firefighting if required.

The DDMA stated that while the exact cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, it has already consumed large sections of cultivated land in Humtso and Wokha villages. Dry vegetation and strong winds played a crucial role in the fire’s rapid spread. Fire service teams and SDRF personnel remain stationed strategically along roadways to prevent further damage and protect residential areas.

Authorities continue to assess the situation, and further emergency measures, including helicopter assistance, may be considered if the fire persists.