Kohima, Jan 28, 2026: A wildfire has reportedly broken out in the Dzükou Valley in Nagaland, prompting the immediate evacuation of trekkers and the suspension of trekking activities, even as containment and reconnaissance efforts are underway.
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| Thick smoke rises from a wildfire burning across the Dzükou Valley, as containment efforts continue and trekking remains suspended. |
The incident was confirmed by the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO). SAYO president Zasitsolie Beio said the organisation was alerted about the fire around 2 pm on Monday, January 26, after volunteers at the site shared videos and photographs of the blaze. He added that the exact point of origin of the fire could not be identified and that the cause of the wildfire remains unknown.
SAYO said its immediate priorities include evacuating trekkers already inside the valley, restricting further entry, and implementing precautionary measures to prevent escalation. The organisation warned that the situation could worsen rapidly due to the valley’s difficult terrain and high-altitude conditions.
In response to the incident, Deputy Commissioner of Kohima B. Henok Buchem has constituted a team for reconnaissance and rescue operations to contain the spread of the fire. According to an official order, the team will be led by SDO (Civil), Jakhama, Vineikho Tetso, and will include the SDPO (South), District Commandant of Home Guards, Range Forest Officer, officials from the Forest Department, the nodal officer of DDMA Kohima, the Officer-in-Charge of Fire and Emergency Services, and representatives of SAYO.
The team has been directed to proceed to the site, assess the ground situation, and submit regular reports to the Deputy Commissioner. The DC assured that all available resources would be mobilised to prevent further spread of the fire and mitigate damage.
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Meanwhile, SAYO has issued a notification temporarily suspending trekking to Dzükou Valley until further notice. The suspension applies to both the Jakhama and Viswema entry points. In the notice, SAYO president Zasitsolie Beio and general secretary Keneisel Tetso said the fire reported on January 26 has been burning uncontrollably, posing serious risks to trekkers.
SAYO stated that it is coordinating closely with government agencies and other stakeholders to assess the situation and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the public. Authorities have urged people to avoid the area until the situation is brought under control.
