Forest fires have destroyed nearly 1,000 acres of land in Maliyein village, Manzaykhun village-tract in the northern Putao Township in Kachin State, according to locals.

Forest fires have broken out since April 23rd. Plantations and pastures owed by locals have also been destroyed by forest fires.

A local said: “The place where forest fires outbreak is just about two miles from Maliyein village. Locals are worried as the fires have not yet been extinguished The fires may spread to villages. Pastures and plantations have also among the fire-hit areas.”

There is also fear of wildlife being trapped in protected public forest zones.

There is no-one available to extinguish forest fires as most of the staff from the Forest Department in Putao Township have joined Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM).