The raging fire has burnt down over 4,000 trees of different species within two and a half kilometres area on the eastern wing of Sundarbans Forest Division (SFD).

The flames are spreading fast, affecting 50 more spots despite strenuous efforts by foresters and people living in neighbouring localities to put out the fire. Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) Md Rafiqul Islam, who is in charge of the eastern wing of the SFD, however said the blaze has been extinguished, a claim eyewitnesses contradicted saying the situation is alarming. They added the inferno is likely to engulf several thousand trees with wind blowing over the forest at a speed of over 20 to 30 kilometres an hour.

Rafiq said the fire originated from torches (smoking devices) used for dislodging bees from the hives by unauthorised honey collectors. Hundreds of used torches and other objects have been recovered from the place of occurrence. Sources however said the fire originated from ovens used by unauthorised woodcutters for cooking.

Eyewitnesses Sufia, Yunus and Emdadul of Nishankhali village said fire has destroyed part of the forest covering an area of over three kilometres. Over 7,000 sundari, bain, passur and garan trees have been burnt to ashes, they said.

According to unconfirmed sources, a vested quarter set the trees on fire with the help of Mouals or honey collectors.