Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Forest Fire Rages in Sikkim’s Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary
A big fire has been burning in a forest in Sikkim, near the border with China, for the past two days.
The fire started on January 20 and has burned about 12 hectares of forest.
The fire is hard to control because the area is very high up (13,000 feet), the wind is strong, and it's difficult for people to reach.
Teams from the fire department, the Army, and local volunteers are working to put out the fire.
So far, no people or buildings have been hurt.
A few days earlier, another fire in a different part of Sikkim was put out quickly.
A forest fire has been burning in Sikkim’s Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary since January 20.
The fire has affected nearly 12 hectares of forest land at an altitude of 13,000 feet.
The fire is difficult to control due to steep terrain, strong winds, and restricted access in Army zones.
Teams from the fire department, Army, and local volunteers are working to extinguish the fire.
No loss of life or property has been reported so far.
- Who
- Forest officials, Army, local volunteers
- What
- Forest fire in Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary
- When
- Started on January 20, ongoing as of January 22
- Where
- Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, Sikkim, near Indo-China border
- Why
- Prolonged dry weather, lack of snowfall, steep terrain, strong winds, restricted access
- Location
- Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, Sikkim
- Altitude
- 13,000 feet
- Area Affected
- 12 hectares
- Start Date
- January 20
- Causes
- Prolonged dry weather, lack of snowfall, steep terrain, strong winds, restricted access
- Response Teams
- Fire department, Army, local volunteers
- Casualties
- None reported
- Previous Fire
- January 18 at Thambi Dara near Nathula, contained within a day
