Smoke rises from the Dzükou Valley as a wildfire continues to spread across the landscape. (Photo Courtesy: Social media/video screengrab)
Morung Express news
Kohima | January 27
A wildfire has reportedly erupted at the Dzükou Valley, Nagaland prompting immediate evacuation of trekkers from the valley and containment efforts are underway.
The Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) confirmed the incident. SAYO President Zasitsolie Beio stated that the organisation was alerted about the fire on Monday afternoon, January 26, after volunteers at the site shared videos and photographs.
“We received the news around 2:00 pm yesterday,” Beio said, adding that the exact location from where the fire started could not be identified.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and it is unclear how it started.
The SAYO said its foremost priorities are the evacuation of trekkers already in the valley, restricting any further entry, and implementing immediate precautionary measures. It highlighted the high risk of the situation escalating rapidly due to the difficult terrain and high altitude.
Over 30 trekkers evacuated
The district administration and SAYO has launched rescue operations in the wake of the wildfire.
Over 30 trekkers stranded in a valley have been safely evacuated, said Kohima Deputy Commissioner Henok Buchem.
“There is more than one area where the fire occurred and this morning one has been contained,” he updated. Containment measures will continue on Tuesday, Buchem added.
The DC Kohima has also set up a response team in view of the reported outbreak of fire for reconnaissance and rescue operation to contain the further spread of the fire.
The team is being led by SDO (Civil), Jakhama, Vineikho Tetso along with others comprising SDPO (South), District Commandant, Home Guards, Range Forest Officer, Forest Department, Nodal Officer, DDMA Kohima, OC, Fire & Emergency Services, Representatives from the SAYO.
“The team is directed to report to the site of the fire incident and take stock of the situation. All available resources shall be mobilized to contain the further spread of the fire. The team is directed to report to the undersigned on a regular basis for further course of action,” it directed.
Temporary suspension of trekking
In this regard, the SAYO has temporarily suspended trekking to Dzükou Valley following a report of fire outbreak on the trails leading to the valley.
In a notice, the SAYO said, “the fire incident that was reported on the 26th of January, 2026 has been blazing uncontrollably, posing serious risk to all trekkers.”
The SAYO further added that the suspension applies to both the entry points from Jakhama Entry and Viswema Entry until further notice adding that the office is in coordination with the Government agencies and stakeholders are assessing the situation, it also regrets the inconvenience caused to general public.
Less than a month ago, in December 2025, a major wildfire had erupted in the Khonoma Dzükou Valley. It burned for several days across the rugged terrain, which led to the suspension of trekking activities and prompted a multi-agency firefighting response.
