It has been over 36 hours since the massive fire broke out on Saturday, April 24, which has ravaged the hills of South Mizoram.
To help the locals, two parties have been sent under Assistant Commandant Narayan Sangroula alongside firefighters and medics under RMO Captain VK Dabas.
The fire trucks care compelled to carry water from nearby sources due to scarcity of water. The Residents from several neighbouring villages have however come forward to assist the firefighters to douse the fire. Zobawk locality volunteers helped in refilling the water tanks from local ponds with over 30,000 litres of water.
Chief Minister Zoramthanga asked The Indian Air Force and the locals for helping in dousing the fire in the Lunglei district and adjoining areas. The Indian Air Force deployed two Mi-17V5 helicopters equipped with specialized Bambi Buckets.
The fire started to blaze from 7:00 am in the forested hills near Lunglei on Saturday.
The fire spread to Lunglei towards the residential area of Zotlang by Sunday. And by Sunday afternoon, the fire headed towards the forests of Chanmari and the nearby valley.
As informed by the Deputy Commissioner of Lunglei district, Kulothungan A, that high winds and dry vegetation have fueled the spread, hence making it more difficult to douse the fire.
Families residing near the areas had to leave their homes. Many wild animals have also died in the fire as per sources. The wildfire has affected the Bazar Veng, Serkawn, Zotlang, Chanmari and Ramthar. The fire is under control near the residential areas at present, but it is continuing to spread across the valley below Chanmari.
Additional DC of Lunglei, Pu M Misael said that authorities are working in finding out the reason of the fire.
“There are certain reasons to believe that the fire is man-made. We will convene a meeting with the affected village councils and leaders of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) of the areas to find out the exact cause,” he added.
The Assam Rifles have also come forward to help the firefighters and rescue teams.
In addition to local volunteers, firefighters and disaster management teams, the Assam Rifles along with the Border Security Force are working hard to douse the fire.
The following Incident Commanders are on duty in their respective areas:
| S No | Name of Magistrate | Area to be Covered | Phone Number |
| 1 | James Miahlung | Bazar Veng, Electric Veng, Chanmari, Salem, College Veng, | 9856294258 |
| 2 | Carolyn LB Khiangte | Pukpui, Serkawn, Zotlang, Zohnuai | 8414917324 |
| 3 | C. Lalduhzuali | Farm Veng, Ramthar, Lunglawn, Luangmual, Sethlun | 8413058436 |
| 4 | Lalsanglura | Lungsen RD Block | 7085979191 |
| 5 | Margaret J Vanlalremmmawii | Theiriat, Hrangchalkawn, Lungpuizawl, Zobawk N&S | 8131932592 |
| 6 | Denny Lalchhuanawma | Bunghmun RD Block | 6009534850 |
| 7 | Collin Hlychho | Venglai, Rahsiveng, Venghlun, Sazaikawn, Hauruang | 7005751607 |
Thank you so much Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji. I thank the Central Government for its prompt assurance and swift action. The people of #Mizoram says 'Kan lawm e'
Inset: IAF Helicopter with Bambi Buckets on their way to douse the fire. https://t.co/tJpyW0nk5O pic.twitter.com/Pj7h2W7Ymk
— Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) April 26, 2021
#Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) on Sunday sought help from the #IndianAirForce (@IAF_MCC) as well as the locals in dousing the major forest fire in #Lunglei district and its adjoining areas, officials said. pic.twitter.com/1vPtPUNrtR
— IANS (@ians_india) April 25, 2021
We pray for safety of all from #ForestFire in & around #Lunglei, #Mizoram.
Take care #Mizoram.@ZoramthangaCM @MzSRLM @MizoramGovernor @dipr_mizoram pic.twitter.com/Iwt9rSvLIw
— My Home India (@MyHomeIndia) April 25, 2021
Numerous wildfires in different parts of Mizoram razed several settlements across the states. No casualties reported as of the moment. Keep us in your prayers!@PMOIndia @HMOIndia
1/3 pic.twitter.com/7ccdjEWERY— Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) April 25, 2021