A new fire broke out in the Sundarbans on Sunday, just hours after firefighters managed to contain another blaze in a different part of the forest.
The latest fire was detected in the Shaplar Bil area, near 23 Sher Siler of Dhansagar Patrol Post in Chandpai Range of Sundarbans East Division, located in Bagerhat district.
Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Dipen Chandra Das stated that upon receiving reports of the fire, officials initially monitored the situation using a drone. The blaze was found deep within the forest, necessitating an immediate response.
Authorities began cutting a fire lane to contain the spread, but the flames advanced beyond control in multiple areas. As of 6:30 pm on Sunday, the fire lane was still being cleared. Firefighters plan to pump water from the Bhola River through a pipeline to help extinguish the flames.
According to Das, the fire at Shaplar Bil appears more severe than the recent blaze in Tapar Bil, though the exact cause remains unknown.
Bagerhat Fire Station Deputy Assistant Director Sakria Haider confirmed that firefighting teams from Khulna, Bagerhat, Morrelganj, Mollahat, and Sharankhola were dispatched to the site. However, as of 6:30 pm, they had not yet reached the affected area.
Eyewitnesses reported that flames were rapidly spreading across different sections of Shaplar Bil, with smoke visible from a distance. Dry foliage and trees are fueling the fire, while the lack of nearby water sources is making containment efforts more challenging.
