GUJAR KHAN: Fires on the hills near Khewra are spreading uncontrollably, posing high risks to the indigenous plants and animals of the Salt Range terrain.

The fire that broke out Monday night has been engulfing vast areas. According to local sources, the limited fire tender resources available with P.D. Khan municipality and Rescue 1122 were being utilised by Assistant Commissioner Osama Sheron. However, the fire continues to spread to more hillocks that are inaccessible to the firefighters, said Mr Waseem, a media activist in the remote area of P.D. Khan.

MPA retired Brig Mushtaq Lillah has also voiced his concerns over the largescale fire on the Khewra hills, which are home to salt and coal mines. He urged the authorities of disaster management to launch a firefighting operation on a larger scale to avert any greater loss.