Srinagar, Dec. 1 -- A massive forest fire raging in the Bagtore area near the Line of Control in Gurez valley of north Kashmir's Bandipora district continued on the fourth day on Sunday. The fire has destroyed a large stretch of forest, damaging a significant number of trees, officials said.

According to officials, joint teams of the Forest, Wildlife department, Indian Army, and police together with the local volunteers have been working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby areas.

Officials said the fire originated in Forest Compartment 32, a remote and hilly location close to the LoC. Dry grass and dense undergrowth fuelled the flames, causing the fire to spread rapidly, hampering early containment efforts.

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