A wildfire has been burning in Nagaland's famous Dzukou Valley for three days. Strong winds have pushed the flames towards the Japfu mountain range, increasing the affected area and raising concern for safety and ecology. The fire started on Friday, December 12, 2025, and initially covered 1.3 square kilometers of forest land. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Kohima said the blaze spread further due to changing weather and gusty winds. Due to the steep slopes and dense vegetation, ground efforts to stop the fire are limited. Officials decided to bring in a helicopter with a 'bambi bucket' for aerial firefighting. This operation is scheduled to begin on Sunday, December 14, through help from the Indian Air Force and the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority. The fire affects forest land near Khonoma village, west of Kohima. The blaze was accidentally started by four local trekkers who lit a fire at their camp but left it unattended while fetching water. The trekkers got trapped by the flames and were rescued the next day by the Khonoma Youth Organisation (KYO). They admitted starting the fire. A recent aerial survey showed large damage to virgin forest patches, with fire spreading in different directions. The survey was done by aircraft after drones could not operate in the tough terrain. Volunteers from KYO, police, fire, forest, and disaster teams remain on site. Officials warn that the fire slowly moves toward Hophera Thi near the Jotsoma-Khonoma border. This raises the risk of more spread into difficult areas. Dzukou Valley is known for its rare plants, beautiful meadows, and trekking trails. Authorities say dry plants and weather conditions make it very easy for fires to spread fast. They have banned trekking in the area and told the public to keep away until the fire is fully controlled.