Raging fire threatens Nepal's rare wildlife

KATHMANDU (Nepal) -- A devastating forest fire is threatening to destroy Nepal's Mount Everest National Park and its rare wildlife, including snow leopards, district officials said on Wednesday.

'If the fire is not controlled immediately the fire may destroy all the Everest National Park area,' Solu chief district office official Hom Prasad Paudel told AFP.

'The devastating fire has already destroyed 30 sq km,' he said of the blaze which broke out on March 15.

'The total area of the Everest National Park is 1,048 sq km and it is full of pine trees and bushes.

'So far there is no human casualty but various rare species of animals like musk deer, snow leopard, bear, and spotted deer, besides the national bird, the danfe, and peacocks are feared to have been destroyed.'

More than 200 people, including soldiers, police and local villagers are fighting the blaze but their efforts are being hampered by strong winds which are spreading the fire and a lack of equipment, Mr Paudel said.

'There is no modern fire-fighting equipment nor is there enough water inside the jungle area and therefore the army, police and local people's efforts are getting botched,' he said.

'The Dudh-kosi Himalayan river is just about four km away from the area but modern transportation facilities are non-existent.'

The blaze was thought to have been caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette. -- AFP