Remote border outpost on high alert as forest fire spreads in Arunachal's Anjaw district

A massive forest fire has triggered an emergency situation along India’s eastern frontier, with flames rapidly advancing toward key Army and border security installations in the strategically sensitive Kibithoo sector of Arunachal Pradesh.

The blaze, fuelled by dry winds and parched grassland, spread across forest terrain in Kibithoo, raising alarm as it moved closer to camps of the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Security forces immediately launched coordinated firefighting and containment operations to shield critical infrastructure and prevent the flames from breaching operational zones.

Officials on the ground described the situation as extremely critical, though no casualties have been reported so far.

Kibithoo, located in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, is one of India’s easternmost outposts along the India–China border and holds immense strategic importance. The rugged, mountainous terrain and limited accessibility have made firefighting efforts particularly challenging. Personnel are battling not just the flames but also harsh terrain and logistical constraints in the remote high-altitude region.

Emergency measures were put in place as soon as the fire’s trajectory indicated a potential threat. Troops and ITBP personnel have been working continuously to create firebreaks and prevent the blaze from spreading further toward sensitive areas.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with efforts focused on preventing escalation and safeguarding both personnel and strategic assets in the border zone.