Nagaland: Western Dzükou fire operations officially called off

All operations related to the Western Dzükou valley wildfire have been officially called off on Tuesday following confirmation that the fire has been completely extinguished, according to deputy commissioner (DC) Kohima, Henok Buchem.
The decision was taken after the Khonoma Youth Organization and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) conducted a joint spot survey and verification at the fire-affected site on December 16, 2025. Both teams reported that the fire had been fully extinguished and that there were no indications of any remaining or potential fire hazards in the area.
Based on the findings of the survey, the district administration decided to suspend and call off all firefighting and monitoring operations with immediate effect. DC Kohima has expressed appreciation to all agencies, organisations and individuals involved in the firefighting and containment efforts. He also acknowledged the support and cooperation of the state government, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Khonoma Village Council, Khonoma Youth Organization, Western Angami Youth Organization, the SDO Civil Sechü-Zubza, Kohima police including SDPO North and personnel, the district commandant and SDRF of Home Guards, Civil Defence and SDRF, the nodal officer of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kohima Range Forest Officer and personnel, the officer commanding and personnel of Fire and Emergency Services, the Indian Air Force (IAF), as well as all local volunteers and well-wishers.
DC said the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders ensured that the fire was successfully contained and that damage to the Dzükou Valley was minimised.
Further, DC informed that the Indian Air Force had also demobilised its mission following the successful containment of the wildfire.