KATHMANDU: Five individuals have been apprehended on charges of intentionally setting forest fires in different areas. Among those arrested are Maite Tamang from Mandandeupur Municipality-11, as well as Bikas Bhujel and Savin Sunar, accused of igniting flames in a community forest within Panchkhaal Municipality-5. Additionally, Aitimaya Tamang faces allegations of setting fire to Kaskot Community Forest in Namobuddha Municipality-1, while Lalkumar Sen Thakuri is suspected of starting a fire in Arubot Community Forest of Chaurideurali Rural Municipality-6.

In parallel developments, wildfires have expanded into residential areas, causing property damage across Roshi, Mahabharat, and Khanikhola Rural Municipalities. Specifically, the conflagration ravaged 15 houses in Sanopota village of Roshi Rural Municipality-4, resulting in property losses estimated at Rs 2.6 million.