KATHMANDU: The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has issued a warning about the increased risk of fires due to rising temperatures and a forecast for minimal winter rainfall this time.

According to Dr. Dijan Bhattarai, spokesperson for the NDRRMA, there is a possibility of an increase in both fires and forest fires across the country this year. This is attributed to the rising temperatures and the projection for limited winter rainfall.

Dr. Bhattarai said that the NDRRMA is closely monitoring the situation, including a fire broke out in a forest area of Bethanchowk rural municipality in Kavrepalanchowk on Friday, as well as other forest fires across the country. Efforts are ongoing to extinguish these fires, it is said.

In a press statement issued Friday, the NDRRMA urged relevant stakeholders to be prepared to respond effectively in case of any further fires.