ISLAMABAD: As authorities battled the forest fires for a fourth day in a row, the district administration of the federal capital on Friday detained three people on suspicion of “arson” in the Margalla Hills.
The Islamabad hills have seen sporadic fire outbreaks since Tuesday. Authorities are still awaiting confirmation on whether the fires are caused by arson or the high heat.
“Three persons have been arrested on suspicion of setting fire on Margalla Hills,” stated Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, confirming the report.
He said this while speaking with reporters at the location where the fire extinguishing procedure was being reviewed.
He also mentioned that precautions had been taken to keep the fire away from residential areas. “Firefighters and helicopters are assisting in putting out the fire.”
The DC expressed skepticism over man-made fires, stating that 15 people had been the target of cases two days prior. In the days to come, he added, further arrests would be made in this regard.
He asked the audience to identify the firefighter(s).
A Capital Development Authority (CDA) spokesman reported that the fire started in Kalingar Valley this morning.
