A massive fire broke out at the Badipakha Community Forest in Ramechhap District  on Thursday, posing a threat to the District Hospital.

All the forces of the district have been mobilised to douse the fire.

Dozens of Nepal Army personnel led by Nandabaks Battalion Chief Pramod Kumar Thapa, along with Red Cross volunteers and locals are attempting to douse the fire. A fire engine of Manthali Municipality has been readied at the hospital premises to protect the health facility from catching fire.

Nepal Army has formed a fire-line around the hospital to prevent the wildfire from destroying the hospital. Strong wind has posed a challenge to douse the fire which is swiftly spreading to other parts of the forest.

“We are trying to clean the upper part,” Chief District Officer Dilip Prasad Lamichhane said, adding, “If we become able to protect the upper part, we can save the hospital.”

Thirteen Nepal Army personnel from Shree Jung Battalion had lost their lives in a fire that broke out in the same jungle eight years ago.