About 100 decimals of forest were damaged in a fire that started near Samazingkha area around 11.30am in Thimphu yesterday.

Fire division officials said no one reported the fire and that the fire division were alerted about it on its system through the CCTV installed near the Hindu temple. Three fire engines were deployed immediately to contain the fire. No casualties were reported .

Residents said fire incidents occur in the same area annually and that the causes are unknown.

Police said that if anyone were found making any types of open fire, they would be fined accordingly for carelessness and negligence.

“If people want to burn incense (sang) during ritual or paper, they have to inform the police or call 110. People should not make any open fire especially near dry forests,” a fire fighter said.

Two close circuit television cameras (CCTV) were installed at Talakha and Hindu temple area in Kuensel Phodrang to monitor fire incidents in Thimphu city.

As of yesterday, 73 fire cases were reported this year in Thimphu thromde.

Neten Dorji