Panchkula, April 19 -- Anticipating forest fires in peak summer months, the Panchkula wildlife department has decided to rope in 40 fire watchers - locals who are familiar with the terrain and better equipped to respond quickly. They will be hired for a period of 67 days, with an estimated expenditure of Rs.16 lakh, and deployed at two major sanctuaries - Khol Hi Raitan Wildlife Sanctuary and Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary. Sunil Kumar, inspector, wildlife department, said the risk of forest fires increases during May and June, particularly in dry forest areas. "These fire watchers will also undertake preventive measures to ensure that fires do not spread," he said. Last year, four youths allegedly triggered aforest fire near Bhoj Balag village in Morni by throwing a lit cigarette in a protected pine forest. This March too, a major fire broke out near Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Ramgarh, due to dry grass and strong winds.htc...