RAMECHHAP: Fire that broke out in several community forests in Ramechap district on Friday is yet to be brought under control. The fire has damaged hundreds of acres of forest amounting to losses worth millions. Several people have also been killed in the forest fire.

The fire has turned Sanimadau Community Forest nearby Manthali bazaar into a barren landscape. Locals led by Damodar Subedi, chairman of the Consumers' Committee of Sanimadau Community Forest have taken initiatives to bring the fire under control.

A team led by Ramechhap chief district officer had reached the forest to control the fire today, but the fire spread towards Salla Community Forest in Kathjor village development committee.

Locals said Human settlement at Thulimadau of Kathjor VDC and Bhujelgaun, Dhadchaur, Kafletar and Sanimadau villages of Manthali VDC are also in danger, adding, "We are having sleepless nights as the fire seems to be approaching our settlement."

"Dry weather has added to the risk of forest fire," Narayan Subedi of Manthali-2 said, adding, "We preserved the jungle for 20 years and it was reduced to ashes in a single night."

Shiv Prasad Subedi, another local said, the "Villagers are attempting to douse the fire in the jungle."Fire is also spreading in the forest based in Bhatauli, Pingkhuri, Rampur and Gothgaun VDCs in the district.

Meanwhile, the fire that broke out in Shrikhandanda forest in which 13 army men were killed was controlled on Friday evening, locals said.