A wildfire in Panchthat district claimed the life of a woman while four others were injured in separate wildfire incidents in the district.

Pratima Sambhahamphe, 26, lost her life in a wildfire that broke out in the Tamrakhu forest of Kummayak Rural Municipality-3, according to the District Police Office, Panchthar. Sapana Sambahamphe, 28; Shivana Sambahamphe, 11; and Nirmaya Sambahamphe, 60, were also injured while collecting fodder in the forest.

The injured were rushed to the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) for treatment. Pratima, who sustained critical burns, succumbed to her injuries on the way to the hospital, while the other three remain under medical care.

The wildfire in Tamrakhu forest is yet to be contained, raising concerns among locals about its potential spread to nearby villages, said Baburam Karki, chairperson of Ward No. 3 of Kummayak Rural Municipality.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, Usha Nembang Rai, 47, from Phidim-14, was injured in a wildfire in the Raniban Community Forest while collecting firewood. She is also receiving treatment at BPKIHS.

Authorities and local residents are working to control the fires as dry conditions continue to fuel their spread. -- RSS